News and Views
Playing With Fire
Pair of female playwrights dare to explore cultural taboos in their native India
Oct 18, 2008 04:30 AM
RICHARD OUZOUNIAN
THEATRE CRITIC
Ugandans ban female circumcision
A community in eastern Uganda has banned the deeply rooted practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), an official has said.
UK police start 'honour' crime plan
UK police were criticised over their handling of the "honour" killing of Banaz Mahmod in 2006 [AP]
Uganda: Is Domestic Violence a Part of Life?
It is a few hours into the night. A young girl's wail pierces through the dark, silent and scary night.
Syrian Case Tests Tolerance on Killing Kinswomen
Syria just opened its first official shelter for battered women and has enacted reforms favorable to women in recent years. But safety activists can't rest as long as authorities tolerate families who consider it honorable to kill their kinswomen.
DAMASCUS, Syria -- Oasis, Syria's first shelter for battered and abused women, opened its door the first week of August.
The Haredi sect has launched an aggressive campaign against the secular lifestyles of women in Jerusalem
Jewish 'ultras' defend morals with menace
Four months ago in the middle of the night, six men dressed in wide-brimmed black hats, black coats, white shirts and black trousers burst into the Jerusalem apartment of a young Jewish woman and taught her a lesson.
Report Released on Intimate Partner Violence in New York City
9/23/2008 2:51 PM
September 8, 2008 – The NYC Health Department today released a comprehensive report chronicling the tragic and persistent problem of intimate partner violence. By analyzing data from city hospitals, medical examiner records, and surveys by the health and police departments, the agency found that this kind of abuse affects thousands of women in New York City, with poor women and black and Hispanic women suffering the highest rates. The complete report is available at .
FLDS leader's alleged bride, 14, sent to foster care
(CNN) -- A 14-year-old girl believed to have married jailed polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs was ordered to foster care by a Texas judge on Tuesday.
Warren Jeffs and four followers were indicted in Texas in July and charged with sexual assault of a child.
Warren Jeffs and four followers were indicted in Texas in July and charged with sexual assault of a child.
District Judge Barbara Walther said there was solid evidence that the girl -- who authorities allege was married to Jeffs at the age of 12 with the consent of her parents -- was an underage bride.
Religious Leaders of Different Faiths ‘Say NO to Violence against Women’
Religious Leaders of Different Faiths ‘Say NO to Violence against Women’
Religions for Peace and UNIFEM launch partnership to stop gender-based violence.
For immediate release
Date: 25 September 2008
Media Inquiries:
Oisika Chakrabarti, Media Specialist, UNIFEM Headquarters, +1 212 906-6506,
South Sudanese women arrested for tight trousers
By Skye Wheeler
JUBA, Khartoum (Reuters) - More than 35 young women wearing tight trousers have been arrested for "disturbing the peace" in south Sudan, police said on Tuesday.
Officers said the arrests in Juba, capital of the semi-autonomous region, were part of a crackdown on youth gangs that have sprung up recently and have a reputation for drinking, fighting and public nudity.
The women were arrested on Sunday night, but released without charge on Monday after appearing in court.
ETHIOPIA: More parents saying no to FGM
ADDIS ABABA, 11 September 2008 (IRIN) - Fewer Ethiopian parents are subjecting their daughters to female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM), according to an NGO campaigning to eradicate the practice.
"The knowledge [that FGM is harmful] is increasing," said Abate Gudunfa, head of the Ethiopian National Committee on Traditional Practices (commonly referred to as EGLDAM - its name in Amharic]. "Children born more recently are safer."
THAILAND: Fighting domestic violence
BANGKOK, 22 September 2008 (IRIN) - Wandee Chantri recalls the beatings she suffered at the hands of her husband. "He slapped and kicked me so many times," the 43-year-old said, when she challenged him over his extramarital affairs. "But I kept silent. I didn't want a divorce. I had to think of my child."
This woman's husband doused her with acid when she complained about his mistress
Mali: Violence Against Women on the Rise
BAMAKO, 2 October 2008 (IRIN) - At least 300 women are victims of sexual violence every year in Bamako, according to local police records, but the actual figure is much higher said the president of the Bamako-based non-profit, Women in Law and Development in Africa.
While there are laws in place to protect women, many forms of violence in Mali are sanctioned by tradition, practice
Jordan: Man charged with manslaughter of his niece
By Rana Husseini
USA: Documentary address 'purity pledges' in America
3/10/2008: According to The Virgin Daughters, one in six American girls now takes a "purity pledge", vowing to abstain from all sexual activity until they are married. (Channel 4)
One-in-six American girls now pledges to remain a virgin – and some even to save their first kiss – until their wedding day. But is this their decision, or their fathers?
Providing a fascinating insight into America's heartland, award-winning documentary maker Jane Treays follows a group of fathers and daughters as they prepare to attend a Purity Ball in Colorado Springs.
Greater Noida honour killing: Grandfather held
Press Trust of India
Friday, September 19, 2008, (Greater Noida)
In a case of suspected honour killing, police in Greater Noida have arrested the grandfather of the slain girl for allegedly killing the 16-year-old and her lover and setting their bodies ablaze.
"Rekha's grandfather Puran Singh was arrested this evening. He confessed to the honour killings. Manhunt has been launched to arrest the other three accused," DSP Dev Karan Singh said.
Forced marriages: the trail of misery and fear in Britain
A helpline for victims has been inundated with callers. Jerome Taylor was given exclusive access to their harrowing stories
Friday, 26 September 2008
Albanpix
Baljit Kaur Howard was made to marry a family friend against her will
Chinese police ordered to handle domestic violence complaints at scene
The Chinese government has ordered police to respond at the scene to all complaints of domestic violence in a new regulation to protect the rights of women.
The regulation, issued by seven ministries, including the ministries of public security, justice and health, requires police to be dispatched whenever they receive a 110 emergency call regarding household violence.