Stories about Women & Gender from September, 2016
An Iranian-Canadian Academic Is Released, but Iran's Crackdown on Women's Rights Activists Continues
Efforts to increase women's participation in February's parliamentary elections were met with a campaign of repression from hardline institutions in Iran.
In Defense of My Right to Abortion in Macedonia
"Choosing not to bear a child for whom a nurturing environment cannot be guaranteed isn't a denial of responsibility— it's the ultimate assumption of responsibility for oneself and the world."
Polish Lawmakers Move Forward With a New Abortion Ban That Critics Say Will Be ‘Hell for Women’
Poland's “Black Protest” movement picks up steam, after lawmakers vote to proceed with legislation that will criminalize abortions in nearly all circumstances, threatening women and doctors with prison.
9 Things to Love About Afghanistan
Some of the world's best bread, melons and pomegranates, plus a diverse people for whom hospitality is second nature. What could possibly go wrong?
Convicted of Sexual Assault, Elite Japanese University Students Get Suspended Sentence
After the sexual assault of a university student, sex, class, privilege -- and strong cultural attitudes -- all play a role in the lighter sentences handed down to the perpetrators.
Poles Dress in Black to Protest Legislation That Would Mean a Near Total Ban on Abortions
Thousands of Poles share photos of themselves dressed in black to protest against legislation that would criminalize almost all kinds of abortion and toughen the country's already severe anti-abortion laws.
Egyptian Mothers Take On Female Genital Mutilation, Pinning Hopes on Younger Generations
Mothers are leading the fight against Female Genital Mutilation in Egypt, pinning their hopes on younger and future generations.
Taiwanese-Japanese Leadership Hopeful's Candidacy Exposes Japan's Xenophobia
Renho Murata will have to convince many that she and the newly formed Democratic Party are 'Japanese enough' if she wins the leadership nomination next week.
Indonesian Movie Tackles the Bugis Marriage Custom of Giving Dowry to the Bride
This is the first time that a mainstream film in Indonesia has focused on the Uang Panai’ marriage custom.
Commemorating Biljana Garvanlieva, a Macedonian Filmmaker Who Gave Voice to Marginalized Women
"As an engaged documentary author my motivation is to break the existing image about women in Macedonia."
India's Bihar Is Failing to Provide Adequate Healthcare to the Rural Poor
One rural health centre in the state is open so infrequently that residents have started using the facility as storage space.
Singapore’s Foreign Domestic Workers Find Their Voices Online
"I was traumatized, frightened, and extremely sad. It was good intentions that brought me to work in Singapore and I cannot understand why I was treated so horribly."
Hijab-Wearing Football Club in Thailand's Deep South Is a Space for Diversity
"By starting a football club and encouraging women to join, we are saying to Patani society that women can do the same things men do."
Hundreds of Thousands Join Saudi Women-Led Campaign to End Male Guardianship in the Kingdom
Hundreds of thousands of online users have joined a Saudi women-lead campaign to end male guardianship in the kingdom.
Body Shamers Beware: These Pakistani Women Aren’t Going to Take It Anymore
"This is us taking back our own bodies, and owning our own skins. We are enough. I am enough."
In This Traditional Turkish Candy Shop, a Daughter Takes Her Turn
The Old City of Istanbul has long been a man's world. But inside one fifth-generation candy shop, times are changing.
