Stories about Women & Gender from December, 2015
In Spanish, Inclusive Language Can Be at Odds With Grammar Rules
"Being contained and invisible within masculine nouns forces women to ask themselves the same question thousands of times throughout their lives: 'Are they speaking about me?'"
Activists Seek to Dispel Abortion Stigma Fueled by the Macedonian Government's Policies
"Because it's about me, the decision whether to abort or not must remain my and only my right."
The Gambia Turns Talk Into Action, Passes Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Bill
After President Jammeh announced an executive ban on the practice hardly a month ago, lawmakers made good on the sentiment.
Activist-Journalist Reflects on Meeting the Iranian Ambassador at a New York Holiday Party
"Iran will one day shine in a way that the Iranian Ambassador will greet Iranian women and journalists without fear and with pride."
The Syrian Conflict Won't Steal My Christmas
In a country in the throes of war, celebrating Christmas can be an act of both profound naïvete and staunch resistance.
Kyrgyzstan's Take on Buzzfeed Generates Complaints (and Views) with Gender Stereotyping Listicles
'The ideal 'kelin' pours tea with her right hand, but never a full cup.'
Saudi Women Vote in Historic Elections; Now They Want More Rights
Twenty-one Saudi women won seats in municipal elections for the first time ever. Now Saudi women, banned from driving their own cars in the conservative kingdom, demand more.
In Kenya, So Much Depends on the Orange Flesh Sweet Potato
Women in Kenya often don't go for prenatal visits, but now there's one way to get them to the clinic: sweet potatoes they grow for their families and to sell.
How Maasai Women in Kenya Are Helping to Make Lush Brand Cosmetics
Women are making money growing aloe, and selling the leaves to the British cosmetics company Lush. They’re also harvesting honey, growing food and raising goats. It’s a sustainable ecosystem.
Does ‘Free Entry’ Always Come at a Cost?: Trinidad & Tobago Talks Gender Discrimination After Nightclub Row
"Not all discrimination is created equal, and not all unequal treatment is necessarily discriminatory."
Afghan Catwalk Sparks Bitter Controversy and Hopes for a More Open Society
To some they are heroes, to others "prostitutes" that "adopted Western thoughts." In Afghanistan, the catwalk is a political battleground.
Do You Know the Story of Brazil's First Black Female Legislator?
More than 80 years ago, Antonieta de Barros became the first black woman elected in Brazil. But she's hardly a household name. One filmmaker has tried to change that.
Treatment of ‘Butch’ Woman at Trinidad Nightclub Feeds Discussion on Gender Identity
With gender suddenly in the mix, an otherwise familiar story of intolerance has become unexpectedly new ground for Trinbagonian netizens.
South Indian Singer Prosecuted for Song Critical of State Government
“A law that is repeatedly used to arrest singers, cartoonists and writers has no place in a democracy – and should be repealed.”
Chhaupadi, the Dwindling Nepalese Tradition That Turns Women Into Outcasts During Their Periods
Even though it's banned, the practice still exists in remote hill villages. Women are forced to sleep outside in huts, exposed to the elements, without warm clothes or blankets.
Photographer Elyor Nematov Captures the Lives of Kyrgyzstan's Russia-Based Migrants Left Behind
When will father come home? Sometimes months, sometimes years, sometimes never.
Saber Hussain's Pedal-Powered Library: A Story of Hope from Afghanistan
"In the morning, I woke up to this news. I smiled. 'Bamiyan is a world of miracles.'"
Transgender Woman Elected to Venezuelan National Assembly
The first transgender candidate in Venezuelan history hopes to reach the National Assembly and bring up issues like marriage equality and name and gender changes on identity documents.
