Stories about Women & Gender from February, 2016
Local Trinidad & Tobago Mayor Sparks Outrage After Victim-Blaming in Masquerader's Death
Did the mayor of Port of Spain just imply that women's behaviour was inextricably linked to their safety? That's how the majority of netizens heard it -- and they're angry.
Incidents of Violence Spoil Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival
Violence by band security and the discovery of a dead masquerader have put a dark cloud over Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2016.
‘Improving Social Cohesion’ Through Dance, Art, and Gwen Rakotovao
Global Voices speaks to Gwen Rakotovao, whose whirlwind career as an artistic director, CEO, model, and author of children’s books has taken her all over the world.
Macedonia's Former Prime Minister Threatens Revenge in Troubling Speech
"There are no hidden messages in Gruevski’s speech. He presented all of his views in the manner of a fierce populist, who will not hesitate in his quest for power"
The YouTube Women: Delivering Hard-Hitting Digital Video Activism
"In Brazil at least, where we have a very communicative culture, it is [...] far easier to persuade someone to watch a video than to read an article."
After Revealing Workplace Sexual Harassment, an Iranian Newscaster Says It's ‘Time to Break Free’
Sheen Shirani has reportedly fled the country after posting evidence on Facebook that her bosses sexually harassed her. The case highlights the precariousness of women's roles in Iran's professional settings.
Iranian Couples Are Increasingly Living Together Outside of Marriage
A look at why young Iranian couples are choosing to live together unmarried despite going against the law.
A Young Pakistani Woman Hopes Her Soul-Searching Motorcycle Trip Will Inspire Others
Zenith Irfan describes herself as "a 21-year-old Capricorn on an epic motorcycle journey amongst the terrains of Pakistan with nothing but her free-hearted soul."
These Speed Drawing Videos Promote Tolerance and Women Empowerment in Indonesia
"With the spread of extremist doctrines targeting vulnerable youth, the need for alternative messages to violent intolerance that celebrate Indonesia’s spirit of pluralism and unity in diversity is increasingly urgent."
Did Argentina’s New President Just Arrest His First Political Prisoner?
Officially, Sala was arrested on two charges: “inciting criminal behavior” and spreading “disorder” by lobbying cooperatives to oppose the governor's reforms by resisting the state's new requirements.
Pakistani Women Are Reclaiming Public Spaces, One Teacup at a Time
Pakistani women wage a campaign to carve out their own safe space in a realm where they've not typically been welcome.
Political Interference? The Culling of Japan's Broadcasters Culminates in a Respected Journalist's Ouster
"Pressure from the Abe government? All newscasters critical of the government have been taken off the air, one after the other."
The Movement for Affordable and Accessible Sanitary Napkins in South Asia
In Bangladesh, India and Nepal, efforts are underway to provide women with a sanitary napkin they can afford in order to improve health and remove social stigmas attached to menstruation.
The Zika Virus Threat Looms Large in the Caribbean
The World Health Organisation has just declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency. Some Caribbean territories have been preparing for it, while others have been slow to mobilise.
The Dangerous and Complex Reality of Women Who Join Central American Gangs
"...I thought it was the best way that people could defend themselves, by being on the strong side rather than the weak one."
A Sexy Guide to Digital Security and Safer ‘Nudes’
The group Coding Rights says sexting can be a “pleasurable resistance to misogyny, conservatism, and heteronormavity,” but it's also seeking ways to protect people from forms of violence.
Lampedusa's ‘Lioness’ Giusi Nicolini Wins the 2016 Simone de Beauvoir Award
The 2016 “Simone de Beauvoir Prize" has been awarded to Giusi Nicolini, mayor of Lampedusa and Linosa. She has been called "lioness" “for her brave actions in favour of refugees”
