Stories about Women & Gender from March, 2011
Haiti: “Literary Foremother” Dies
Writer Paulette Poujol Oriol recently died of a heart attack at her home in Port-au-Prince; Tande pays her tribute.
Barbados: Girl Power
“That’s not to say that there aren’t some things that need changing or work, but it’s good to see international recognition and confirmation that Bajan girls and women have every opportunity to be the best that they can be”: Barbados Free Press is pleased with a report that says the...
Bermuda: Dr. Ball Passes On
“She was one of the greatest Bermudians of our modern era, and her achievements and work are truly inspiring”: Catch a fire blogs about “[his] own memories and reflections” of “Bermuda's Lady of Labour”.
Dominican Republic: Violence is not love
Blogger María Isabel Soldevila writes about the high rates of violence against women [es] in the Dominican Republic, and warns that love can never be expressed through violence.
China: Controversial Speeches from Party Members
The Fourth Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) closed yesterday (March 14 2011) in Beijing. One-Party leadership was not a subject up for debate, so people have turned their attention to the speeches and proposals made by the so-called "people's representatives".
Trinidad & Tobago: The Meaning of Equality
Coffeewallah thinks that women “the latest trend in female performers, to debase themselves or perform lyrics that are denigrating to women” does nothing for gender equality.
Africa: Increasing Female Participation in Science and Technology
Gamel looks at practical ways to increase female participation in Science and Technology in Africa: “I disagree with attempts to “level the playing field” through the practice of admitting females into science and technology programmes, in high schools and universities, at lower grades than males.”
Africa: Of Africans and misogyny
Lady Jaye discusses Africans and misogyny: “It would seems Africans (yes, yes, I know I am generalizing) – both men and women – hate women. I can't think of any other explanations for it.
Lebanon: Women's Anger At New Tourism Campaign
The Lebanese online community has responded angrily to a new campaign by the country's Ministry of Tourism, which aims to attract potential tourists from around the world with thoughts of Lebanese women. A letter of protest from a group of female netizens is demanding the advert's recall - and an apology.
Puerto Rico: Virtual campaign against violence
Lawyer, feminist activist and blogger Verónica RT has launched a virtual campaign through her blog [es] and Facebook [es]that documents every case of women murdered by their partners or ex partners in Puerto Rico. This year, already 8 women have been murdered.
El Salvador: Thoughts on International Women's Day
2011 finds El Salvador with the highest rate of femicides in the word, according to Spanish newspaper El Pais. Some Salvadorean bloggers have made their own reflections on the day and what it means for women in El Salvador.
Guatemala: First Lady Announces Her Candidacy for President
On March 8, First Lady Sandra Torres announced she would run for president. Her critics on social networks reacted to the news with harsh comments. Bloggers are focusing on two main issues related to her presidential bid: an Article in the Constitution which prohibits her candidacy, and her work in social cohesion projects.
Kenya: Women and political office
The next election will be a good one for women candidates in Kenya: “According to the poll 60 percent of those surveyed would vote for a woman candidate. Women’s performance in public office gets a 62 percent approval rating at parliamentary level, 29 percent at ministerial level and 24 percent...
International Women's Day Marked in Ghana with Awards Ceremony
Every year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Ghana and her women were not left out of this important day.
Bangladesh: Banning Fatwa
“Unfortunately, in Bangladesh, some people are trying their best to fetter their women further in the name of religion,” comments Jerome D'Costa at Bangladesh, Canada and Beyond on the recent protests by some Islamic clerics, who are resisting government's efforts to ban Fatwa.
Trinidad & Tobago: Carnival Results
Results from the most talked-about Carnival competitions here and here, while Lisa Allen-Agostini weighs in on show-stealing at the hotly-contested Soca Monarch contest.
Nigeria: Top Women in Web and Tech Entrepreneurship
To mark the International Women’s Day celebration, Loy Okezie presents remarkable and influential Nigerian women in web and tech entrepreneurship.
India: Why We Let Someone Beat His Wife?
Domestic Violence is very much prevalent in India and husband beating wive is one of the common phenomena. Shilpadesh questions how can the other family members ignore such abuse?
Morocco: Women Celebrate International Day
Moroccan women, who have long been at the forefront of the civil society's struggle for a better and more dignified life, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the International Women's Day today. Across the Moroccan blogosphere, male and female bloggers have been reflecting on this occasion.
Nepal: Why There Is No International Men's Day?
Have you wondered why there is no such day called International men's day? Nepali blogger Bhumika Ghimire explains why.
Argentina: The Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo
Erwin in The Latin Americanist features Argentina's Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo on International Woman's Day: “The ‘Abuelas’ were founded in 1977 with the aim of finding babies stolen during the ‘Dirty War’ period. In the 34 years since their creation, the group has reportedly identified over 100 children whose...
