Kabul University just launched its first Gender and Women’s studies graduate program, the first of its kind in all of Afghanistan. The two-year program is another important step for Afghan women in achieving equality and increasing opportunity. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the mission of this program is “to create a platform […]
World Commemorates International Day of the Girl Child
On Sunday, the world celebrated the fourth annual International Day of the Girl Child. Created by a United Nations Resolution in 2011, The Day of the Girl is meant to recognize the power of girls, while also addressing the problems that force millions of girl to drop out of school and not realize their potential.
Planned Parenthood President Testifies Before House Committee
Amid calls from anti-abortion lawmakers to defund Planned Parenthood, the organizations’s president Cecile Richards testified today in front of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The initial purpose of the hearing was to “investigate” Planned Parenthood’s use of federal funds in light of unscrupulous and thoroughly debunked claims that the organization profits from fetal tissue […]
Planned Parenthood Clinic Blaze Ruled Arson As Legislative Attacks Continue
Physical attacks join legislative attacks; as a Planned Parenthood clinic blaze in Washington is ruled arson, Republicans in Congress call for a full defunding of the women’s health organization.
Los Angeles Mayor Announces Model Gender Equity Directive
“Gender equity must permeate every level of City operations—as leaders, employers, and service providers,” the unparalleled directive reads.
Saudi Women Prepare to Vote for the First Time
Women in Saudi Arabia registered to vote over the weekend, preparing to participate for the first time in local elections this December.
President Ghani Confirms: Four Women Ambassadors to be Appointed in Afghanistan
Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan, announced that at least four women will be appointed as foreign diplomats, as well as made other promises for appointments of female government officials at varying levels of Afghanistan’s government. Last week, the Office of the President of Afghanistan tweeted that “at least four women ambassadors will be appointed to represent […]
Four Sentenced to Death, Eight to Prison for Brutal Murder of Afghan Woman
The verdict for the 49 men charged with the murder of 27-year- old Farkhunda came yesterday, following a highly publicized and televised week-long trial and public outrage for violence against women in Afghanistan.
Sen. Reid Promises to Filibuster “Fast Track” for the Trans-Pacific Partnership
Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid has promised to delay efforts to push through the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal until the Senate first deals with two stalled bills that may soon expire.
Human Rights Group Seeks Pardon for Salvadoran Women Imprisoned for Miscarriages
Human rights groups are calling for the pardon of 15 women imprisoned in El Salvador for suffering a miscarriage.
One Year Since the Kidnappings, #BringBackOurGirls Still Matters
In April of 2014, almost 300 Nigerian schoolgirls were kidnapped by the terrorist group Boko Haram. It’s been one year, and 219 of them are still missing.
“No Ceilings” Report Shows Major Gains and Gaps in Women’s Equality
The Clinton Foundation “No Ceilings” report reveals data measuring women and girls’ participation worldwide over the past twenty years. In many ways, there have been significant increases for women and girls, but there are still massive gaps to be filled and progress to be made.
Clinically Dead Pregnant Irish Woman Taken Off Life Support
The court’s decision to take the pregnant woman off life support was in line with her family’s wishes.
Woman on Life Support Revives Ireland’s Abortion Debate
Ireland’s ban on abortion has come up in debate again following a current case involving a dead woman who is being kept on life support because she is pregnant.
Israel May Fund Abortions For Some Women
The Israeli government may start funding abortions for women aged 20 to 33 if recommendations recently made by a Health Ministry committee are enacted. Israeli women under the age of 17 and over the ago of 40 already receive subsidized abortion services for personal reasons. Women also get almost automatic approval for an abortion if […]
New Campaign Encourages Women to Participate in Afghanistan’s Next Election
A new campaign in Afghanistan urges women to vote – specifically, for candidates that support their rights and equality.
A Women in Academia Mini-Roundtable
It’s clear that women still struggle to find standing in academia. Two FMF interns tackle the issue right at the line where the personal becomes political.
Global Heroes Honored in L.A.
An Afghan rapper. The founder of the first primary school for girls in a Kenyan village. A trailblazing member of Congress who fights to create an AIDS-free generation. An advocate for women’s and children’s rights and empowerment. Tonite in Los Angeles, the Feminist Majority Foundation (publisher of Ms.) will award these four women with its […]
The Global War on Women
While everyone is consumed in the upcoming election and “women’s issues”, there is yet another disturbing threat at large—the global war on women. The global war I’m thinking of goes beyond reproductive rights to the basic necessity of living free of fear. Last week Malala Yousafzai’s shooting grabbed the world’s attention. Her suffering on account of her desire to attend school put into perspective the violence girls and women face as they exercise their basic rights.
Women Only: Saudi Arabia Further Segregates Society
The fight for Saudi women’s rights has been well-documented in the press, especially the high-profile protests women’s rights activists launched on the heels of the Arab Spring in hopes to win the right to drive in the Kingdom, the only place in the world where women are legally not permitted to get behind the wheel. This observation […]
