Stories about Women & Gender from January, 2016
‘Don't You Touch My Sister': Guinean Citizens Rally Against Rape
Guinean citizens took to the streets and online forums to raise awareness of sexual violence in Guinea.
Japanese TV Personality's Career Demolished After Affair With Married Musician
A relatively tame sex scandal highlights the unforgiving nature of Japan's entertainment industry.
Ghana’s Market Women Were Once So Powerful They Were Targeted by the Military
Women dominate the trading business, but that power came at a price a generation ago, when the market women were blamed for an economic crisis and their livelihoods destroyed.
Social Media Slams India's Judgmental Journalist
"I wasn’t abused, I wasn’t beaten, I wasn’t molested, I wasn’t raped.” Actor Sunny Leone has moved beyond her porn star past -- why can't the journalist who interviewed her?
The Caribbean Prepares Itself for ‘Zik-V’ Virus Threat
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is advising people to protect themselves and even plans to launch a mobile game called Zap-a-‘quito to educate the public.
Caribbean Social Media Dissects the Tangled Outrage Surrounding Cricketer Chris Gayle's Come-On
"The global condemnation of Chris Gayle’s flirting seems over the top [but] the controversy is a welcome reminder that there are lines of propriety that should not be crossed."
A Venezuelan Digital Artist Defends LGBT Rights Despite Social and Political Censorship
Who's behind censorship and why? What happens when old social norms around gender are questioned? Danial Arzola, creator of the campaign 'I'm not a joke', answers these and other questions.
Viral Story About Special Train Service for Hokkaido Schoolgirl Causes Problems for Student
Heard of that viral story about the train station in Japan with just one young passenger? It's full of inaccuracies. And the female student is being harassed by train nerds.
A Male and Female Take on Cricketer Chris Gayle's Display of Sexism
"Sexism is part of how our society was structured [but] culture and language systems evolve and change. There is no reason we cannot."
An Indian Student Blogs About Being Ostracised and Bullied After Reporting Sexual Abuse
The female film student accused her professor of forcing her to have sex with him, but when she spoke up she said the student body turned on her.
Is the Level of Vitriol Against Cricketer Chris Gayle Justified?
"The problem for us in the Caribbean is not Chris Gayle and his outlook per se. It’s the casual sexism of Caribbean masculinity in general that needs taking in hand."
‘You Just Need To Be White To Win’ Ad Denounced as Racist in Thailand
"Thai advert says you can be a winner if you have white skin. This is the most racist advert I've ever seen."
Japan and South Korea's Historic ‘Comfort Women’ Deal Angers Surviving Victims
The Imperial Japanese Army forced women from across Asia forced into sexual slavery during WWII. The surviving victims and some right-wing Japanese politicians weren't on board with this agreement.
Could Cricketer Chris Gayle's Gaffe Inspire Caribbean Men to ‘Man Up and Know How to Behave'?
Gayle "dropped the ball when he could have shown an example of ideal manhood as more than hyper-sexuality, as also self-reflection and responsibility."
Inspired by Ancient Traditions, Women in Latin America Embrace Natural Gynecology
Women are incorporating ancient teachings of self-care into their modern-day lives. The idea isn't to abandon medical professionals, but rather be aware of all the options available.
Three Australian Government Ministers Fail Texting 101
Three Australian government ministers have been caught up in controversies of their own making.
Was Caribbean Cricketer Chris Gayle's Come-On Sexist or Silly?
West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle has landed himself in a firestorm of criticism after he hit on Australian sports reporter Melanie McLaughlin during a live television interview.
As the Number of Widows Grows, Widowhood Is Changing in Nepal
Thousands of men leave Nepal every year to work abroad. They send money to their families — but sometimes they don't return. This has deep repercussions for their wives.