Stories about Women & Gender from January, 2013
Discussing the Caribbean's Rape Culture
The disturbing gang-rape - and subsequent death - of a young woman in Delhi, India, has elicited global outrage and discussion about gender-based violence. A handful of Caribbean-based bloggers have been sharing their thoughts, not the least of which is that rape is a men's issue.
Public Prosecutor Seeks Flogging for Saudi Women Protesters
Last Saturday, January 5th, relatives of uncharged prisoners managed to organize a small protest in Saudi Arabian city Buraida to demand the release of the prisoners. The protesters, all of them were women and children, were quickly surrounded and arrested by police forces since all methods of public dissent are strictly prohibited and harshly crushed in the absolute monarchy.
Police Harass Ordinary Citizens in Kerala, India
The Delhi gang-rape case has activated many live discussions and the moral policing of the Indian societies. In Kerala, most recently there have been three incidents of police harassing the ordinary citizens have been discussed in the social media.
Delhi Rape Case Sparks Death Penalty Debate in Singapore
Many Singaporeans expressed grief over the death of the Delhi rape victim who came to be known as Amanat in the world. The tragic death of Amanat in a Singapore hospital also sparked a lively discussion on gender equality, violence against women, and the use of death penalty in rape cases.
Brazil Debates Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation – Part II
While European politics has made a favorable move to abolish prostitution as a legalized profession in the old continent, recently in France a couple was convicted to three years in prison for organizing a prostitution scheme of young Brazilians. In Brazil, the government and the media are trying to raise awareness on human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Dueling Demonstrations Surround Same-Sex Marriage in France
For several months there has been a raging debate in France surrounding 'universal marriage' (i.e. same-sex marriage). Those who oppose same-sex marriage Commitment 31 want for the whole nation, not merely the parliamentarians, to engage in the debate.
Should Prostitution be Abolished or Regulated? Part I
Two hundred NGO's from across Europe gathered at the European Parliament in Brussels on December 4, 2012. They called for the abolition of prostitution and presented the outlines of a potential abolitionist policy for Europe. For these organisations, criminalization of prostituion is the key to counter human trafficking for sexual purposes. In Europe and around the world, sex workers disagree with the proposed measures and ask for more respect for their rights.
Why Media Shouldn’t Name Delhi Rape Victim
Rajeev Gowda, chairman of the centre for public policy at the Indian institute of management (IIM), Bangalore, argues at Sans Serif why it is best not to name the 23 year old Delhi gangrape victim.
“We Cannot Do it Alone”, A Mayor's Plea for US Intervention in Mali
Lawless and godless men — who hide behind Shariah and demands for Tuareg independence — are now beating and raping women and conscripting children to fight their “holy” war. And the greatest tragedy is that people are starting to get used to it [..] President Obama must not allow northern Mali...
Blaming Rape Victims in Cambodia
In Cambodia, rape cases are given low profile despite the report of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association which documented 467 rape cases in 2011 and 320 in 2012. These figures could be higher since rape is under reported in the country.
Sex Allegations Hound Russia's Top Blogger
As RuNet was preparing to celebrate the New Year, Tatyana Delsal, estranged ex-wife of popular blogger and Coordinating Council member Rustem Adagamov, has accused him of statutory rape.
Uganda in 2012: 50 Years of Independence and Africa's Youngest MP
2012 was one of the happiest years in Uganda's history. Sweet memories of 2012 range from Ugandans electing Africa's youngest Member of Parliament to 50 year independence celebrations.
Row over 3rd Generation Contraceptive Pills in France
The “new” pills are not without risks. The risk of phlebitis or pulmonary embolism is increased two fold, from 2 to 4 accidents per 10,000 users. This increase might seem low in terms of public health but it is significant at the individual level considering the fact that other satisfactory alternatives are...
Mauritanian Women Speak up against Rape
A group of Mauritanian women launched an initiative against rape and all other forms of violence against women in their country. Entitled “Etkelmi or Speak up” [ar and fr], this campaign aims according the blog “Al Tasfera” [ar] to break the wall of silence surrounding rape and encourage victims to demand their...
Harasser Identified by Bloggers in Bangladesh
An unknown guy posted a prank video of slapping a girl online and shared through social media apparently to harass her. Some Bloggers took notice and used crowdsourcing to expose the identity of that guy. E-Bangladesh has details.
Honey Singh's ‘Misogynist’ Lyrics Divides Bollywood
Indian Punjabi rapper Honey Singh’s new year performance was canceled after an online petition was circulated on social media. A First Information Report (FIR) has also been lodged against him in Lucknow for offensive lyrics.
Bangladesh: Another Indigenous Girl Raped and Killed
Once again an indigenous girl was killed in Bangladesh after being brutally raped. The victim, Khomaching Marma (14) was a student of class eight. This brutal rape and murder once again has spread anger and rage across the country. Netizens also protested.
