Two million women and seven million children will now have greater access to a variety of nutritious food options, thanks to the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) expansion of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Recap: Spotlight on Role of Women Continues in Second Afghan Presidential Debate
Stressing that the Afghan people, especially women’s groups, are curious to know the candidate’s views on violence against women and other forms of discrimination against women, the debate moderator asked the candidates for their views on the importance of women’s role in society and in the economic development of Afghanistan.
Uncategorized
Saudi Women Demand End To Absolute Male Authority
Ten Saudi women are petitioning the Saudi Arabia consultative Shura Council to demand an end to absolute male authority over women. Activist Aziza Yousef told AFP news agency over the weekend that the activists are demanding “measures to protect women’s rights,” as well as the right for women to drive, ahead of International Women’s Day […]
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: March 4, 1918
A major victory today for 218 suffragists arrested last year for picketing along the White House fence!
Students File Two Federal Complaints Against UC Berkeley for Mishandling Campus Sexual Assault Cases
31 current and former University of California at Berkeley filed two federal complaints against the college Wednesday, alleging that the university had failed to properly handle sexual assault cases within good time, investigate serial rapists, and take rape and harassment on campus seriously.
Marissa Alexander Now Faces Up To 60 Years in Prison
Alexander’s initial sentence reflected three 20-year sentences served concurrently, but Florida state prosecutor Angela Corey will now seek to sentence Alexander to consecutive sentences totaling 60 years in prison.
FDA Broadens Access to Emergency Contraception Over-the-Counter
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last week that generic versions of Plan B One Step will now be available over-the-counter to women of all ages.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Texas Gay Marriage Ban
“Those in control of this state need to stop fighting the future. They must stop governing by fear. They must stop pretending there’s some security blanket in laws that treat others unfairly.”
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: February 28, 1913
The end of the trail and a spectacular entry into Washington, D.C., today for the suffrage hikers!
Female Afghan Parliamentarian Speaks Out About Women’s Progress in Afghanistan
Fawzia Koofi, a female member of the Afghan parliament, published an open letter this week to American women, urging them to continue standing shoulder-to-shoulder with women in Afghanistan. Koofi’s letter, entitled “A Letter to My American Sisters,” dispels the media myth that women’s lives have not improved since the fall of the Taliban regime in […]
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: February 27, 1913
The suffrage hikers pushed on toward Washington, D.C., this morning despite rain, mud, hecklers and a growing conflict with the officers of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill Permitting Use of Religion as Cover to Discriminate
The bill was strongly opposed by LGBT groups who have seen businesses in other states – such as florists, photographers, and bakers – refuse to provide services to same-sex couples. Members of the Arizona business community also opposed the bill, as did politicians on both sides.
Massachusetts Governor Issues Emergency Regulations Banning Shackling of Pregnant Inmates
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed emergency regulations last week banning the shackling of incarcerated pregnant women.
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: February 26, 1913
“We send and beg of you to accept this ‘Votes for Women’ flag as a memento of our pilgrimage through New York and New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Yours very truly, Rosalie Gardiner Jones.”
Uncategorized
Libya To Compensate Victims of Rape During 2011 Conflict
Libya’s cabinet introduced a decree last week that will recognize women raped during the 2011 uprising as war victims and provide them with compensation. Compensation could come in the form of financial assistance, a safe place to stay, and physical and psychological health care. While there are no confirmed figures, it is estimated that hundreds […]
Uncategorized
Afghan Ministry of Justice Amends Criminal Procedure Code to Protect Women Victims of Violence
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Justice (MOJ) amended a controversial provision of the draft Afghan Criminal Procedure Code – Article 26 – that would have barred relatives from testifying against each other in criminal proceedings, including in cases of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. President Hamid Karzai had earlier responded to concerns from Afghan women’s […]
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: February 25, 1913
Proving that they can be as bold indoors as outdoors, the suffrage hikers descended upon two of Baltimore’s most patriarchal institutions on the 14th day of their journey.
Ohio Passes Laws Ending or Restricting Early and Absentee Voting
With Ohio remaining a key presidential swing state, the voting restrictions could have national impacts if they remain in place.
Court Rules Against Notre Dame’s Contraception Mandate Appeal
“If the government is entitled to require that female contraceptives be provided to women free of charge, we have trouble understanding how signing the form that declares Notre Dame’s authorized refusal to pay for contraceptives for its students or staff, and mailing the authorization document to those companies, which under federal law are obligated to pick up the tab, could be thought to ‘trigger’ the provision of female contraceptives.”
Uncategorized
Ugandan President Signs Anti-Gay Bill Into Law
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed a controversial anti-gay bill into law yesterday. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, passed by parliament in December, could put people in prison for life if they engage in “aggravated homosexuality,” which means engaging in acts where someone is infected with HIV, having sex with minors, or being “serial offenders.” People who offer […]