Give Afghan Women Credit For Their Strength
“The women in Afghanistan know how to stand even if they fall down 100 times,” writes Shogofa Az in her essay about the strong neighborhood women who inspire her in Kabul.
Afghanistan
Latest in Afghanistan
Afghan Women Ready for Another Round of Voting
The visiting delegation discussed their outlook on the June 14 run-off elections, legacy of the U.S. invasion and negotiations for a national security deal. Despite Taliban threats, they hailed political gains. One of the delegates won a provincial council seat in Herat in the April polling.
Afghan Women: the Kill List We Don’t Talk About
In the world of pen vs. gun, we would all benefit from putting the Arab proverb “The enemy of my enemy is my friend” to good use. If women’s rights are a security threat to violent extremists, then women’s rights must be the asset we protect.
To Do: End Gender Bias; Test’s Control Subjects Die
A U.N. specialist on population told an international parliamentarians’ conference that the members had a duty to improve the status of women. In India, 254 members of a control group untested for cervical cancer died. The U.S. funded the research.
Reproductive Health Battles Rage in States, Courts
Battles over women’s access to abortion and contraception continue to rage in the state legislatures and court, with no clear trend of wins and losses. Also this week, two female journalists were shot in Afghanistan, one fatally.
Women’s Champions Cheer a Victory in Afghanistan
“Now we are going to be very attentive to what is going to happen and we are going to work with the Ministry of Justice,” one safety activist said after Karzai refused to sign a law that would have kept perpetrators of domestic abuse from facing justice.
Abortion Laws May Be Axed; Afghan Victims Muzzled
Three U.S. states are reconsidering or halting abortion laws. Also this week, in Afghanistan a new law may prevent the protections of women who are victims of violence.
Obama Marks Roe v. Wade; Alabama Prison Deemed Toxic
President Barack Obama marked the 41st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision this week. In Alabama, a women’s prison was found to be a “toxic” house of horrors in which “repeated and open sexual behavior” is the norm.
Rapist Law May Be Voided; Abortion Laws Multiply
Morocco may toss out part of its penal code that allows rapists to go unpunished if they marry their victims. Also this week, Republicans in the House of Representatives are looking to make 2014 another banner year for anti-abortion laws.
Dems Rally for Immigration; Shutdown Pain Spreads
New York female leaders called for immigration reform at a recent conference. Meanwhile, the government shutdown has had a negative effect on women.
