By: Kelly R. McClintock
Bulgaria, an Eastern European country formerly a part of the Soviet Bloc, did not criminalize domestic violence until 2005.[1] The lack of such basic protection for women symbolized the country’s tolerance, indifference, and even promotion of degradation of women. However, grassroots organizations working with regional and international partners in Bulgaria have made significant strides for women’s rights since 2005.
Read MoreBy : Kathryn Bristor.
While the Olympics are a time of global celebration, for women in Saudi Arabia it is also a painful reminder of the lack of opportunities they have to compete in sports. Though the country is taking small steps towards female inclusion in sports, the movement is anything but expedited. Although a handful of women have competed on the Saudi Olympic team, the question remains whether this has furthered women’s rights back home or if their participation is merely a show to appease international human rights concerns.
Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wojdan_Shaherkani.jpg
Read MoreBy: Inessa Wurscher.
Since 1990, women in Saudi Arabia have been prohibited by royal decree from driving. This decree has been a point of contention within Saudi Arabia as well as in the international community. Now, a recent royal decree has overturned this law and will allow Saudi women to drive in June of 2018. While this legal change may be enough to open the way for changes in the male guardianship system, it is not yet enough for Saudi Arabia to be in compliance with their obligations under the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Image credit: New York Times, available at https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/09/27/world/saudi-drive/saudi-drive-master768.jpg
Read MoreBy: Sophie Goodman.
Over 140 million girls and women are affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Many countries have taken steps to enact laws and regulations to curb the cultural and societal expectations to undergo FGM. South Africa effectively criminalized FGM and continues to educate society on the complications and human rights implications of FGM.
Image credit: Sophie Goodman.
Read MoreBy: Hilary McDaniel.
In March 2017, over one million Indian Muslims signed a petition to end the triple talaq, a controversial divorce practice.. The triple talaq has been banned in more than 20 Muslim countries including Pakistan and Bangladesh, but remains in India.
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By: Monica Macias.
El Salvador has some of the world's most draconian abortion laws. In 1998, abortion was outlawed in El Salvador. The crime carries a prison sentence of up to eight years, but when it is treated as homicide, women are sentenced up to four decades in jail.The tough on crime law enforcement approach has even spilled over to instances where an abortion is inferred cases where a miscarriage occurred.
Read MoreBy: Hannah Bloom.
The glass ceiling. What is this mysterious yet familiar term? You may have heard of it before, but not known what it actually meant. The glass ceiling. What is this mysterious yet familiar term? Workplace pay is one area that the glass ceiling applies to and Iceland is attempting to tear it down.
Read MoreBy: Alannah Buford
This blog post analyzes the differences between pregnancy discrimination protection in the United States, under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and the European Union, under the Pregnant Workers Directive.
Read MoreBy: Brent Lockwood
As a central international governing body, the United Nations’ leadership is necessary to successfully combat global gender inequality and violence against women. Despite continued efforts to protect the rights of women and promote equality, women continue to face economic, social, and political inequality as well as high rates of physical and sexual violence. Changes need to be made.
Read MoreBy: Chantelle Dial
Despite how dramatically traditions and roles may have changed over the years, the current U.S. approach to why women at home and abroad should be educated often perpetuates harmful stereotypes under the guise of progress.
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