seen from United Kingdom
seen from Italy
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from Hong Kong SAR China
seen from United Kingdom
seen from United States
seen from Hong Kong SAR China
seen from China
seen from China
seen from China
seen from Spain
seen from Spain
seen from United States
seen from Canada
seen from United States
seen from Italy
seen from China
seen from China
seen from Singapore
Saudi women are now allowed to travel the world freely! The country announced a new rule on Friday allowing women over the age of 21 to apply for a passport without authorization from a "male guardian." The reforms have been welcomed by many activists; however, the crown prince and the country stand accused of several other human rights violations, including violent suppression of political dissent. Read more at this link. 📷: Hassan Ammar/AP)
It will now be a crime in India for men to divorce their wives by repeating the word "talaq" – meaning "divorce" in Arabic – three times. In the way this is practiced in India, the act grants men "instant divorces" from their wives without having to take legal action. "This is a victory of gender justice and will further equality in society," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Read more about "instant divorce" and how it can leave women from impoverished communities vulnerable at this link.
South Africa has finally declared menstrual products tax-free! Taxing menstrual products makes them less affordable and accessible, especially for low-income consumers. Many young girls end up missing school because they cannot afford to manage their periods. South Africa’s decision to lift the tax on sanitary pads will make it possible for more young girls receive an education, among other benefits. Read more here.
Thousands of acid attacks happen every year – and most of these are targeted at girls and women. To raise awareness of the impact of these attacks, photographer Ann-Christine Woehrl captured powerful portraits of victims, sharing their stories of courage and survival. See more here.
(📷: Ann-Christine Woehrl/Edition Lammerhuber)
YES! This week, after a nearly 40-year ban on women watching male sporting events in Iran, women were finally permitted into Tehran’s Azadi Stadium to watch a live broadcast of Iran’s World Cup match against Spain. Iran lost the match but it was a huge win for women's rights 🙌🏾⚽ Read more here.
(📷: Themba Hadebe/AP)
This photo, taken in 2016, shows 17-year-old Baby Seibureh and Claude Seibureh, 48, who were married during the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone. Because of her small stature, Baby needed a cesarean section to safely give birth to their son, Joseph. While child marriage is a critical issue in both crisis and stable contexts, child marriage is rising at alarming rates in humanitarian settings. The photo is part of "Growing Up Female, Across the Globe," a photo essay by the Associated Press showing both the obstacles and joys that young girls face around the world. To see more from the essay, which features all female photographers, visit this link.
(📷: Stephanie Sinclair/Too Young to Wed/AP)
The rate of child marriages in Afghanistan decreased by 10% in the last decade, according to UNICEF. The key to progress? Educating girls. Convincing parents to send their daughters to school was key in reducing child marriage. Here's to a future where every girl is educated and no child is married. Read more here.
In India, pads and tampons will no longer be taxed at 12% as a luxury good – making sanitary products affordable for many more women across the country! In a landmark ruling this weekend, the Indian government finally exempted menstrual hygiene products of the Goods and Services Tax. Your move, America. Read more here.
