Police brutality, military sexual assault, and gender-based violence in the US came under scrutiny this week.
Maternal Death Rate in West Africa Expected to Rise Due to Ebola
One in seven women could die during childbirth in the West African countries most impacted by the Ebola crisis.
United States and China Announce Landmark Climate Change Deal on Carbon Emissions
After almost a year of negotiations, the US and China announced an unprecedented pledge this morning to limit their carbon emissions, giving hope to climate change activists worldwide.
12 Countries Have Called on El Salvador to Stop Criminalizing Abortion
“Now more than ever the international human rights community must continue to advocate and pressure the Salvadoran government to ensure women’s reproductive rights.”
Largest USAID Women’s Empowerment Program in the World Launched in Afghanistan
Called “Promote,” the program will invest up to $416 million dollars into the education, training, and promotion of Afghan women in civil society, government, and business.
Over 50 Women Hospitalized and 12 Dead in India After Botched Mass Sterilization at Government-Run Camp
Although four health officials, including one man who received an award last year for having performed 50,000 sterilization procedures, have been suspended, the Indian government denies claims of negligence.
Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls Remain Missing as Boko Haram Leader Denies Ceasefire
A man claiming to be the leader of extremist group Boko Haram denied that successful ceasefire talks had taken place between the group and Nigerian officials laying out a plan for the return of over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in April. Now, their families are still waiting.
The Japanese Government is Being Sued for Institutional Sexism
“No matter how much we contribute or how well we perform, we stand virtually no chance of advancing in our careers.”
Mullah Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Rape Under Afghanistan’s EVAW Law
Judge Mohammad Suliman Rasuli sentenced Mullah Mohammad Amin – a religious leader from Afghanistan – to 20 years in prison Saturday for the rape of a 10-year-old girl in Kunduz province.
Thousands of Women in Iran Protest Acid Attacks in Wake of Religious Law
On Wednesday, thousands of Iranians in the historic city of Isfahan gathered to protest recent acid attacks on women. The attacks have been happening around the same time as the passage of a new law that protects anyone who “corrects” others who are acting in an “un-Islamic” way.
Instead of Returning Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls, Boko Haram Reportedly Abducted More Women and Girls
Despite Nigerian military officials last week announcing they had negotiated with militant group Boko Haram for the release of more than 200 schoolgirls who were kidnapped in April, it appears the girls have not yet been released – and residents say more women and girls have been kidnapped since.
Afghanistan’s New First Lady Advances Women’s Issues
Just a few days after moving to the presidential palace, Afghanistan’s new First Lady Rula Ghani said that she hopes to encourage greater respect for women.
Jay Leno Receives Mark Twain Prize, Salutes Mavis and Her Work for Women’s Rights
Former long-time host of “The Tonight Show” Jay Leno saluted his wife, Mavis, for her work on behalf of women’s rights around the world when he was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor this weekend.
Hundreds of Schoolgirls Kidnapped by Boko Haram To Be Released Monday
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigeria’s military are reportedly negotiating the release of the nearly 300 young women and girls who were abducted by Boko Haram more than six months ago, ostensibly bringing an end to six months of activist efforts calling for their return.
Over 80,000 Safety Violations Found At Bangladesh Garment Factories
A recently completed inspection found more than 80,000 safety violations in Bangladeshi garment factories – where 85 percent of all workers are women.
UN Speaks Out Against Islamic State’s Attacks on Women
The United Nations last week condemned the brutal killings of women by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also know as ISIS.
Afghanistan and US Finalize Bilateral Security Agreement
In a nationally televised ceremony at the Presidential Palace just one day after President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai took office, Afghanistan signed a major security agreement with the United States.
Hope for Afghan Women as New President is Sworn In
Ashraf Ghani, who has has publicly and consistently stated his support for women’s rights and women’s participation in government, was sworn in as the new President of Afghanistan today at the Presidential Palace in Kabul.
Largest-Ever Global Study of Gender in Film Illuminates a Persistent Sexism Problem
The Institute’s founder said the data never fails to shock her Hollywood peers, who largely haven’t noticed the dearth of female representation – even at the level of crowd shots. According to Davis, women won’t achieve parity on screen for another 700 years.
New President and National Unity Government Announced in Afghanistan
Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai is the next president of Afghanistan. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, his opponent, will serve as Afghanistan’s new chief executive.