News Bulletin [Nov 22-Dec 6]

Photo credit: DW / H. Sirat

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Is Egypt Ready to Join Growing Global Movement to End FGM?
Suad Abu Dayyeh (The Guardian) - November 30th, 2014

Suad Abu-Dayyeh from Equality Now writes a compelling piece about Egypt’s lack of effort in the global movement to end FGM, particularly in the acquittement of the doctor and father involved in 13 year old Sohair al-Bata’s death. Unlike many other countries, such as Kenya, the UK, and Guinea Basseau which have made positive strides towards stopping FGM, the vast majority of Egypt’s female population continue to be affected by this human rights abuse.  Abu-Dayyeh discusses measures that Egypt must take if they wish to help be a part of the solution to ending this violence practice.

The campaigns to end FGM are a step forward, but they don’t go far enough
Charlotte Rachel Proudman (The Independent) - November 29th, 2014

This article discusses the necessity for FGM education to become a part of the UK national curriculum. Tens of thousands of UK girls are at risk every year, and Produman argues that without integration into the national curriculum, FGM will be unable to be stopped. Previous efforts to increase FGM awareness in schools and some of the success and challenges that these campaigns have experienced. 

Gender Equality

In battle of sexes at central banks, Thai women have already won
Suttinee Yuvejwattana (Bloomberg News) - November 29th, 2014

Women working in the Bank of Thailand outnumber men, which is rare in today’s world where  the majority of central banks are male dominated. This article discusses the history of women’s tremendous leadership in the Thai economy and emphasizes education’s fundamental role in this process. 

The Most Destructive Gender Binary
Time Magazine (Gary Barker) - November 26th, 2014

Gary Barker, the founder and Director of Promundo, an international organization working to engage men and boys in gender equality, discusses the important role that men play in the battle for women’s rights and ending violence against women. Men play a pivotal role in gender equality, and he provides copious amount of support behind this argument; he also provides evidence of situations where men are worse off than women. Barker emphasizes the importance of eradicating this binary and instead encourages men and women to work together in the fight to end this injustice. 

UN women chief ‘seriously concerned’ Afghan women’s gains may be reversed
Gabriel Dominguez (DW News) - November 28th, 2014

DW News interviews Phumzile Mlambo Ngeuka, the executive director of UN women, on the effect that foreign troops and international aid withdrawal from Afghanistan will have on recent policy gains made by Afghan women. She provides parameters that must be met in order for women to gain gender equality. Although recent progress for has been made in the country for women’s rights, (such as the Elimination of Violence Against Women law) such gains could be “endangered” by upcoming possible political stability and aid reduction. 

Peace Effort with Taliban is Excluding Women, Report Says
Rod Norland (The New York Times) - November 24th, 2014

A recent report written by Afghan women titled “Behind Closed Doors” argues that women have been left out of the peace process with the Taliban. Female leaders complain that Afghan leaders are “trading women’s rights for peace; in fact, there are more former Taliban members on the High Peace Council than women. Women’s organizations, such as Afghan Women’s Network, are advocating for an increased role in the negotiation process in order to ensure gender equality in the country. 

Rape, Harassment and Sexual Violence

India ‘sexual harassment’ video men held
BBC News - December 1st, 2014

A recent video of two Indian sisters’ beating men who they accused of sexual violence has gone viral. The video shows these two young-adults women fighting men who allegedly sexually harassed them on the bus. The international community has responded in overwhelming support of the women fighting for their rights. Furthermore, the men who harassed the women are currently being held and the bus driver as well as conductor have been suspended from their service for failing to aid the sisters. 

Education for Women and Girls

Priyanka Chopra, Freido Pinto come together for girls’ education
Zee News - November 29th, 2014

Girl Rising, a global campaign teaching girls about the importance of education, has recently been brought to India. The campaign works through filmmaking to spread awareness about the importance of women’s education and the incredible successes that women can achieve. Actresses Freido Pinto and Priyanak Chopra have agreed to play a pivotal role in this campaign. 

Lori Sokol: From Desperation to Education
Lori Sokol (Huffington Post) - November 30th, 2014

The Women’s Forum of New York’s Education Fund Award awards women with the funds necessary to receive an undergraduate college education. The fund recognizes women who have overcome adversity and have tremendous potential to influence change. Sokol explores the importance of female education and provides stories of previous recipients of the award. 

Human Trafficking

Slavery levels in UK ‘higher than thought’
BBC News (November 29th, 2014)

The UK Analysis for the Home Office release in 2013 that there are between 10,000-13,000 victims of slavery in the UK. This is the first time that the government has stated the tremendous scale of this trafficking, and has led to increased governmental action to work towards eradicating this “Hidden Crime.” Measures include the Modern Slavery Bill which is currently going through parliament, as well as raising awareness about this issue and bringing it “out into the open.”

UN Report Shows an Increase in Trafficking of Children
Rick Gladstone (The New York Times) - November 24th, 2014

The United Nations recently released the 2014 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons detailing many astounding statistics on global trafficking. Unfortunately, the number of children being trafficked is rising and the majority of victims are females. Furthermore, the report emphasizes that trafficking is truly global issue and affects countries all across the world.