Stories about Women & Gender from July, 2016
Irom Sharmila’s Long Protest Is Over, but Military Impunity in Northeast India Continues
"The national media [...] used to show her fast, year after year. They made the story about the fast, never why she was fasting."
Ignorance About Transgender Identities in the US and Mexico and the Challenges of Winning Asylum
A recent report highlights transgender human rights abuses in Mexico, and how the US immigration system has made accessing asylum particularly difficult.
Kyrgyzstan in War of Words (and Billboards) Over Women's Clothing
For some it is about the Islam-secular divide. For others it is about men telling women how they should present their bodies.
A Russian ‘Lady Cop’: Part Three
Earlier this month, Olga Borisova wrote for the website Batenka.ru about her experiences as a police officer. We are publishing her text in three parts. This is the third installment.
A Russian ‘Lady Cop’: Part Two
Earlier this month, Olga Borisova wrote for the website Batenka.ru about her experiences as a police officer. We are publishing her text in three parts. This is the second installment.
Meet the Two Latin American Women Vying for the United Nations’ Top Job
"Excited that @CFigueres is running for #nextSG. Paris Agreement was an incredible achievement."
A Russian ‘Lady Cop’: Part One
Earlier this month, Olga Borisova wrote for the website Batenka.ru about her experiences as a police officer. We are publishing her text in three parts. This is the first installment.
The Lives of Migrant Workers in Thailand's ‘Little Burma’
“But we have no money and no home; how could we go back and survive?”
Meet the Nicaraguan Feminist Group Fighting Gender-Based Violence in Central America
The civic group La Corriente develops “actions that generate changes [for] equality, […] combining research, education, media, and the creativity of a team of people devoted to the feminist cause."
Azerbaijani Women Watch #IAmNotAfraidToSpeak from the Sidelines
"I do not believe there is one woman [in Azerbaijan] who has not faced harassment or violence."
Women Struggle Against Violence in Kyrgyz Society, But How Many Men Will Help Them?
Awareness of sexual violence and sexism is growing in Kyrgyzstan, but not quickly enough.
‘Our Strength as Women Lies in the Differences Among Us': The Central American Feminist Symposium
"[M]y struggle is filled with energy from all of these marvelous and invigorating women, my commitment has new strength..."
Ugandan President Appoints Wife, Opposition Leaders to Key Positions
"Just watch out for the total collapse of education in Uganda. This woman has no morals."
‘Visions From The Inside’ Illustrates the Struggles and Resilience of Migrants Caught in US Detention Centers
Fourteen artists created illustrations based on the testimonies of migrants detained in for-profit detention facilities in the US.
Afghan Refugees: “Nobody ‘Wants’ to Leave. It Is About Survival.”
"Everybody is leaving Afghanistan. The only people who will be left there are President Ashraf Ghani and [Chief Executive] Abdullah Abdullah!"
The Radio Soap Opera That Revived a Genre and Put the Ecuadorian Lesbian Community on the Map
“Mariana Is So Lesbian” accomplishes several objectives: reviving a genre, advocating for lesbians' rights, and exploring the experiences of those who lived in Ecuador when homosexuality was still a crime.
An Ivorian Professor Helps a Student Focus on Class by Carrying Her Baby on His Back
"I think that what a teacher does to create social links with their students is just as important as the content of their classes."
#IAmNotAfraidToSayIt: Ukrainian Social Media Users Break the Silence on Sexual Violence
A Facebook hashtag started by a Ukrainian activist is overflowing with users sharing their stories and experiences of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and domestic violence.
Nurse, Restaurant Owner and Motorbike Taxi Driver: Fatoumata Diaby Is a Symbol of Mali's Resilience
An interview with Fatoumata Diaby, who is breaking gender stereotypes and inspiring others with her entrepreneurial spirit.
Will This ‘Toilet Cleaning’ Conflict Between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan Ever Stop?
"Yes, maybe we clean toilets, but it is honest work [...] We are just feeding our families and we make a big contribution to Kyrgyzstan's economy."
Massive Nude Photo Leak Raises Issue of Online Protection Laws in Trinidad & Tobago
Police suspect the leak is part of an online pornography ring, and that some of the photographs are being sold.