Sunday marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which was first designated by the UN General Assembly in December of 1999. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement calling on all governments to make good on their pledges to end all forms of violence against women and girls in all parts […]
UN Raises Awareness of Violence Against Women
Posted November 25th, 2012 at 7:20 am (UTC-5)
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Church of England Votes Against Women Bishops
Posted November 20th, 2012 at 4:50 pm (UTC-5)
The Church of England has narrowly voted against legislation which would permit women to serve as bishops. The legislation needed the approval of a two-thirds majority among members of the General Synod, which comprises bishops, clergy and lay members. The measure passed in separate votes by the House of Bishops and the House of Clergy […]
Iran Urged to Ease Education Restrictions on Women
Posted September 22nd, 2012 at 2:45 pm (UTC-5)
A leading U.S.-based rights group is urging Iran to ease restrictions on women in higher education as the country begins its new academic year. Human Rights Watch said Saturday that Iran has limited the number of college courses available to women. The group’s women’s rights director, Liesl Gerntholtz, cited a recent report from Iran’s Mehr […]
Afghanistan Pushed Again on Runaways, Women’s Rights
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 11:55 am (UTC-5)
There are new indications Afghanistan is moving to ensure the rights of women, but signs of progress are being met with skepticism. Human Rights Watch this week applauded three government ministers, including Justice Minister Habibullah Ghalib, for publicly stating it is not a crime for a woman to run away from home. Human Rights Watch […]
Home of Golf’s Masters Admits First Female Members
Posted August 20th, 2012 at 12:25 pm (UTC-5)
The prestigious U.S. golf club that is the home of the Masters Tournament has admitted the first female members in its 80-year history. Augusta National Golf Club announced Monday that it has invited former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina business executive Darla Moore to join when the club opens for a new […]
Afghan Activists Reject Minister’s Claims of Prostitution at Women’s Shelters
Posted June 18th, 2012 at 12:10 pm (UTC-5)
Afghan women’s rights activists are rejecting allegations by a government minister that shelters aimed at protecting women are instead used for prostitution. Justice Minister Habibullah Ghalib said Sunday the safe houses run by non-governmental organizations, so-called Peace Houses, have become brothels. He said, “we saw and investigated the Peace Houses, there isn’t any immoral activity […]
Female US Soldiers Sue to End Ban on Women in Combat
Posted May 24th, 2012 at 8:05 am (UTC-5)
Two female U.S. soldiers have filed a lawsuit to force the military to end its policy of restricting women from combat duty. Jane Baldwin and Ellen Haring, currently serving in the U.S. Army has reservists, say the current policy bars them from combat assignments solely on the basis of their gender, which they allege violates […]
Obama: Women’s Issues ‘Impact All of Us’
Posted April 6th, 2012 at 12:30 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama used a White House conference on women Friday to highlight steps his administration has taken to improve opportunities and access for women in areas such as education, business and health care. Addressing Friday’s Forum on Women and the Economy, President Obama said women are not some monolithic bloc or “interest group” […]
White House Hosts Forum on Women and the Economy
Posted April 6th, 2012 at 10:40 am (UTC-5)
The White House is hosting a conference Friday to highlight ways the Obama administration has “helped create economic security for women.” Valerie Jarrett, chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls, opened Friday’s Forum on Women and the Economy. She said President Barack Obama has taken “historic steps” to appoint more women to […]
Rights Group: Afghan Women Jailed for Escaping Abusive Husbands
Posted March 28th, 2012 at 9:20 am (UTC-5)
A new report by Human Rights Watch says more than 400 women in Afghanistan are in jail for trying to escape abusive husbands and forced marriages. The report says the women who seek to run away from such misery are frequently accused of adultery and imprisoned for so-called “moral crimes,” while their abusers walk free. […]
