Women's Rights in the News

"Human rights activist and sole Papua New Guinea (PNG) female elected parliamentarian Dame Carol Kidu as dragged by police Saturday while protesting the illegal eviction and partial demolition of Paga Hill Settlement, housing some 2,000 residents.

“Sex work may be illegal in Uganda, but providing services for sex workers is clearly not,” reads a statement from 9 May 2012 by WONETHA, a health and human rights organisation, in response to a serious crack-down on its activities by Ugandan municipal police.

Having become the first country in South America to allow gay couples to marry, Argentina has passed a bill giving transgender citizens the right to have their gender recognised in law.

"Egypt’s People’s Assembly Council is currently discussing legislation that would reduce the minimum age of marriage for girls from 18 to possibly as low as 9 years old and could vote on the final draft bill at any moment. If adopted, girls could be married off by their families without their consent putting them at risk of physical and psychological harm, as well as cutting short other life opportunities, such as pursuing their education.

The number of divorces doubled in Nepal’s capital from 2005 to 2011, according to the Kathmandu District Court. Legal professionals say one reason is increased awareness among women about their rights. Legally, it is easier for women to file for divorce than men. But socially, women still face stigma for divorcing their husbands.

Opposition to legislation dashes equality hopes in West African country's strongly patriarchal society

Malawian Vice President and women's rights activist Joyce Banda became the country's first female president on Saturday when she was sworn in following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika. Supporters cheered on Saturday in celebration in the nation's capital, Lilongwe. 

NEW YORK — For all the alarm and outrage that conservative Republicans have ignited lately with actions perceived as attacks on U.S. women’s rights, there has been a fierce counteroffensive that is giving activists on the other side a larger voice and greater visibility than in recent years.

Zanzibar — SOME people already think that methods being applied to fight Gender Based Violence (GBV) particularly rape and abuse of women are failing to prevent the dilemmas in the community.

Bishkek/Brussels, 29 March 2012: Kyrgyzstan’s disregard for its Uzbek community is pushing the ethnic minority to breaking point.