Stories about Women & Gender from October, 2014
How Young, Independent Women are Making a Space for Themselves in Pakistan's Music Industry
Young and independent female artists must chart their own paths in a country with few formal music schools, where music is a skill traditionally passed from generation to generation.
Pioneering Trinidad & Tobago TV Personality Hazel Ward-Redman Remembered
Hazel Ward-Redman, who showcased the musical and artistic talent of young Trinbagonians through her television shows, has passed away. Fans and protégés pay their respects.
Japan’s Cabinet Members Are ‘Falling Like Dominoes’ to Corruption Scandals
The month of October has seen a tidal wave of allegations against members of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet. Has Abe lost control of the narrative?
Hitting Below the Belt? Trinidad & Tobago President Tries to Gag Comedian Over Jokes About First Lady
A president, a first lady and a comedian walk into a bar...and what happens next, no-one could have anticipated. Did good-natured teasing hit below the belt?
Talk Show Inspires 1 Million+ Callers to Protest India's Anti-Gay Law
"Satyamev Jayate" aired an episode on October 19, 2014 called "Accepting Alternative Sexualities" that attempted to challenge misconceptions about India's LGBT community. Soon after, #FreedomForLGBT was trending on Twitter.
Iran's Conservative Media See a Reformist Plot in Coverage of Acid Attacks Against Women
Kayhan has accused reformist newspapers of publishing news related to the attacks in order to destroy the image of the "believers" and "supporters" of the Islamic regime.
A Just Sentence? Too Lenient? Oscar Pistorius Given 5 Years in Prison
The South African athlete's culpable murder conviction for the death of Reeva Steenkamp came on the heels of a 77-year sentence handed down to a rhino poacher in July.
Online Tributes Pour in for Former Australian PM, ‘Giant’ Gough Whitlam
"Like so many of my generation I owe Mr Whitlam the privilege of a university education because he made it free of financial charges. MERCI."
Trailblazing ‘Soda Pop Anthology’ Showcases Comics by Puerto Rican Women
The anthology, published by Soda Pop Comics, an indie studio of female comics writers, wants to bring greater visibility and acceptance for women creators.
Outrage Over Transgender Woman's Suspected Murder by US Marine in the Philippines
The case has led some in the Philippines to call for the military agreements between their country and the United States to be scrapped.
Child's Murder Unveils Lack of Sympathy for Japan's Single Mothers
A babysitter is accused of killing a woman's young child while she picked up extra shifts at her job. A local politician implied that the mother is to blame.
Brazilian Man Accused of High Profile Revenge-Porn Case Only Gets 5 Months Community Service
The victim has vowed to fight to make revenge-porn a criminal offense.
Death By Firing Squad in Eastern Ukraine Over a Cartoon?
The rebel "culture minister" allegedly demands that a court sentence a writer to death by firing squad, and also asks to be awarded 50,000 rubles in compensation for moral damages.
Remembering Mahsa Shekarloo, Iran's Internet Pioneer and Women’s Rights Activist
Mahsa Shekarloo, Iranian women’s rights activist and founder of the online feminist journal Bad Jens, died Friday September 5, 2014, surrounded by family. We celebrate her life in this post.
Bahamas Constitutional Reform To Address Citizenship, Gender Equality
Among the areas to be addressed is the right of certain Bahamians to pass citizenship on to their children.
Russian Lawmakers Will Debate Legislation Against Back Tattoos for Women
Male chauvinism and homophobia are nothing unique to Russia, but it’s hard to ignore how the Duma’s new effort to protect women from tattoos dovetails with current reactionary trends.
Could Women Be Banned from Buying Alcohol in Myanmar?
Myanmar's alcohol consumption is the lowest in Southeast Asia, but many claim that this is now changing. Authorities are reportedly discussing banning women from buying alcohol in certain areas.
Central Asia's First Ladies: Heard But Not Seen?
Are the wives of Central Asia's authoritarian presidents the power behind the throne or just highly placed women subject to the same raw deal as many others in the region?
Burqa Banished Behind Glass in Australian Parliament
The decision to relegate people wearing a burqa or other facial covering behind glass in Australia's parliament has stirred controversy.
