Stories about Women & Gender from June, 2012
Costa Rica: Thousands March in Capital for Human Rights
Thousands marched in the capital of San José on June 16, claiming equal rights for same-sex couples, the legalization of In-Vitro Fertilization and the separation of State and Church.
Journeys Through Latin America
Thanks to a collective of bloggers who are traveling through Latin America, readers from all over the world can get a glimpse of the many facets of this vast region. Here's a summary of the route so far.
Kyrgyzstan: Cartoons Expose Ills of Patriarchal Society
The Kyrgyzstani art group ‘705’ [ru] has produced a number of hand-drawn animation films [ru] that criticize the conventions and norms of a patriarchal society. Domestic violence and the oppression of women in such a society are two big themes in these films.
Afghanistan: Women Leaders on Twitter
Ahmad Shuja, an Afghan blogger and political commentator based in US, has put together a list of 15 must-follow Twitter feeds by Afghan women leaders. Shuja explains: “I thought I’d try and share with the world the wonderful work Afghan women do everyday, often in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances”.
Trinidad & Tobago: Speaking Out Against Sexual Abuse
The case of a 12-year old girl, who recently gave birth to her stepfather's child in Guyana, gets Outlish talking about feminism, education and the everyday reality of women in the Caribbean, while journalist and blogger Lisa Allen-Agostini says it is time to speak out about child sexual abuse.
Cuba: Two Protests, Many Arrests
The Ladies in White (Las Damas de Blanco) are again top of mind with Cuban diaspora bloggers. As one of the oldest and most respected opposition entities on the island, their peaceful protests - and regular arrests by state security forces - continue to attract attention. The most recent confrontation happened this past weekend as members of the group attempted to carry out two protests in Havana.
China, Hong Kong: ‘Happy Ad’ for Student Abortions Ignites Debate
A hospital in mainland China has advertised a special installment payment package for university students, for getting abortions conveniently in the event of accidental or unwanted pregnancies. The hospital's marketing poster has caught the attention of Hong Kong's netizens.
Kyrgyzstan: Videos Abound of ‘Patriotic’ Attacks on Migrant Women in Russia
A number of 'patriotic' videos depicting male Kyrgyz labor migrants abusing their female compatriots for associating with men from other ethnic groups while working in Russia has recently been disseminated online. The videos have sparked outrage across domestic and international networks.
China: Late-Term Abortion Forced by Corrupt Officials
Images of a woman forced to undergo a late-term abortion in Ankang Shaanxi Province in China have been circulating widely in Chinese social media and micro-blogging platforms triggering furious reactions.
Zambia: Meet a Blogger Who Tackles Health Issues
One Zambian female blogger tackles an issue other Zambian bloggers don’t touch — health. Meluse Kapatamoyo has written about dementia, fibroids as well as malaria eradication and the use of beads for family planning among other health conditions on her blog.
Egypt: Documentary on Female Journalist of the Revolution going on US Tour
Words of Witness, a documentary on a young female journalist reporting the Egyptian revolution is going on tour in the USA. First in film festivals in California and in New York, then through a crowd-funding initiative they hope to raise funds to go to even more university campuses to share the story of youth, revolution, gender roles and new media.
South Korea: Birth Control Regulation Changes Provoke Debate
The Korean Food and Drug Administration has announced that emergency contraceptives, known as morning-after pills, will become available over the counter. However, non-emergency oral contraceptives have become a prescription drug. This sudden reversal on birth control drug regulations has sparked heated discussions online.
Jordan: Punish Rapists
Jordanian Mohammad Al Qaq, at Khobbeizeh, calls for no leniency in the punishment of rapists.
Bulgaria: “Victim of Beauty” – or Violence Disguised as Fashion
12 Magazine, a fashion publication, ran a series of ad images [bg] of women disguised as having been victims of harsh violence – with this warning: “[…] Images are not recommended to people below 16. Neither [are they] for people with weak hearts.” The Fashion Law is inviting readers to...
India: Photos Of Indibloggers Meet
Indian Homemaker posts lots of photos of the Dove All Women's IndiBlogger Meet at New Delhi held on 10th of June, 2012.
Pakistan: The Kohistan Story Of Honor Killing of 5 Girls Gets Complicated
Omair Alavi provides the latest updates on the story of honor killing of 5 girls in Kohistan and questions the media's role in the whole debacle.
Sri Lanka: 900 Young Men Take a Stand Against Harassment of Women
Sri Lanka Unites blog informs about a campaign titled S.H.O.W (Stop Harassment of Women) You Care which plans to engage nine hundred young men to travel on the busiest bus routes in Colombo and spread the words to stop violence against women.
Egypt: Sexual Harassment as a Weapon Against Dissent?
June 8 was “Determination Friday” in Cairo, and people gathered at Tahrir Square in protest against verdicts from former president Mubarak trial. Fewer remained for the anti-sexual harassment protest starting at 6pm, a clear stand against increasing sexual harassment female protesters suffer. Rayna S. gathers reactions after the protest was attacked.
Egypt: March to End Sexual Harassment Attacked
A march demanding an end to sexual harassment turned ugly when women involved were attacked by a mob of angry men in Tahrir Square today (June 8, 2012). Eye witnesses share their experience on Twitter.
Kyrgyzstan: Politician Slams Mini-Skirts and Tracksuits
A conservative MP in Kyrgyzstan has proposed to ban mini-skirts and sportswear in the national parliament building, triggering a debate among the country's netizens. While some netizens support the MP's proposal, others believe parliamentarians should focus their time and resources on more urgent tasks.
Trinidad & Tobago: Open Letter
The members of CatchAFyah Caribbean Feminist Network signed an open letter to Senator Verna St. Rose Greaves, Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development in Trinidad & Tobago, praising her for her “commitment to the rights of marginalised groups…”, particularly abused children, women and the LGBTQ community.
