Stories about Women & Gender from April, 2010
Nigeria: Forced marriages and the age of consent
Sokari discusses forced marriages and the age of consent after the former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Sani Yerima marries a 13 year old Egyptian girl for whom he paid her family $100,000.
Trinidad & Tobago: Bedtime Stories
Tattoo couldn't care less about the domestic practices of the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister's wife, saying that the talk on the election platforms has nothing to do with “any of the pressing issues that have been raised in the campaign thus far such as: governance, corruption and legal reform.”
Martinique, Guadeloupe: Celebrating two great women
Imaniyé pays homage [Fr] to Martinican-born actress, Jenny Alpha, who, at nearly 100 years of age, is the oldest French artist alive, while CaribCreoleNews announces [Fr] two events in memory of Guadeloupe's first female lawyer, communist and feminist activist, Gerty Archimede, who would have turned 101 this year.
Brunei Foodies Go Pink 2010
Brunei Foodies Go Pink 2010 is a charity recipe book project of Brunei bloggers for 2010. Bloggers and foodies alike have agreed to raise funds and create awareness about breast cancer by inviting bloggers to contribute their favorite dessert recipe which will be compiled in a book.
China: How Sister Feng became famous
China Hush looks into Sister Feng's case and see how an ordinary person becomes famous through the Internet.
“Boobquake” to challenge claims of Iranian cleric
A Purdue University student in the United States is asking women around the world to show a little cleavage or a little leg on Monday as a humorous test to disprove an Iranian cleric’s theory that immodest dress has the power to make the earth shake.
Caucasus: Social Innovation Camp
Although Internet penetration remains low in the South Caucasus, all indications are that new and social media has an increasingly important role to play in the area of democratization and activism. With that in mind, the first Social Innovation Camp in the region took place in Tbilisi, Georgia on 8-10 April.
GITChina
Girl in Tech China will be launched in May 8, 2010.
China: Verdict announced in Fujian Three netizen trial
The three netizens in Fujian province arrested last summer for their role in seeking the truth behind the death of Yan Xiaoling were given sentences on Friday ranging from 1-2 years. One retired senior official sees the charges as part of a larger crackdown on social activism.
Lebanon: Combating Domestic Violence
“In the Middle East, many still believe it is ok for a man to beat his wife. KAFA is one organization that is working hard to erase this mentality of acceptance. Dinosaurs are extinct; it’s time for domestic violence to become extinct, too.” Developing Lebanon posted about an event held by...
Lebanon: Virginity and Hypocrisy
“I attended […] a discussion with [the] creator of Jasad Magazine about the language of the body, sexuality and relationships, and the last part was about how virginity and the lack of it are perceived in the Lebanese society. The hymen restoration was brought up, and yada yada…” writes Liliane...
Sudan: Women's Votes
Alex de Waal discusses wome's votes in Sudan: “Without doubt, the statistics of Sudan’s elections will be pored over and debated at length, and the interpretation of every figure will be open to dispute. But there seems to be one consistent feature across the country. Women were the majority of...
Guyana: Write Good
What is “good” writing? Signifyin’ Guyana has a few thoughts on the subject.
USA: Lesbian Student Sent to “Fake Prom” in Mississippi
An 18-year old girl in Mississippi was barred from attending her high school prom in April because she planned to bring a female date and wear a tuxedo. Gay rights bloggers shared their outrage.
Haiti: Controversial Statistics
The Haitian Blogger contends that, contrary to some mainstream media messages, “Haiti does NOT have the ‘worst HIV infection rate in the region’.”
Cuba: Groundbreaker
For Havana Times, Yusimi Rodriguez interviews “the first black model in Cuba.”
India: ‘The First Cry’ Blog Contest
Chennai Moms.com has announced a blogging competition to celebrate International Mother's Day in May. The contest has been named as “The First Cry”, which will choose the best from mothers’ blog posts describing their first baby birth experience.
Trinidad & Tobago: LGBT Rights
“Thousands of GLBT voters will be participating in the upcoming general election”: Trinidad and Tobago's gspottt wants “a responsible government that is going to protect and take care of all its people, and not leave some behind, regardless of which party or coalition wins at the polls.”
Lebanon: A Bold Move
Lebanese blogger Mireille shares her friend Rita‘s plan of shaving her head to “break the chemo-therapy taboo and the conventional beauty standards” and to “raise awareness and funds for cancer” in her latest post.
Bangladesh: Women Must Not Be Forced To Wear Veils
Shamim Ashraf at Straight from Bangladesh informs about a recent court ruling in Bangladesh which asserts that “none can force women, working at public and private educational institutions, to wear veils or cover their heads against their wills.”
Women's Rights In Pakistan
Pakistani women are subject to increasing abuse and rights and opportunities are disappearing from them gradually. The absence of protection of law and lack of implementation of existing laws are worsening their plights. Pakistani bloggers discuss the situation.
