Reality checks
Global demonstrations marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 28th. Large protests in Latin America and Europe. Their focus: femicide.
Approximately 87,000 women and girls were murdered around the world in 2017, according to the United Nations, which says that violence against women and girls is one of the “most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today” – and remains largely unreported because of impunity and stigma. BBC
Sudan has repealed a law that allowed police to arrest women found dancing, wearing trousers, vending on the streets, or mixing with men who weren’t their relatives. Amnesty International praised the law’s repeal but also called on the transitional government to amend other restrictive laws, such as those governing so-called ‘morality’ including consensual sex, dress code, and other matters on the conduct of individuals in private spaces.”
Body politics
- Alabama passed a law banning abortions at every stage of pregnancy even in the case of rape or incest – and criminalizing doctors if they perform the procedure with up to 99 years in prison.
- Georgia passed a new law outlawing abortion after six weeks, during which time most women aren’t even aware of their pregnancy.
- A law in Kentucky takes effect that punishes women for seeking an abortion. The law requires doctors to describe an ultrasound in detail and show fetal images before they can perform an abortion – even if the patient declines.
We need to be reminded of what our sisters are up against – so we can help.
And there’s some good news: Two remarkable talks by two visionary women:
Isabel Allende’s meditation on the need for Feminine energy in the management of the world.
Eve Ensler’s TEDWomen Talk “Calling Men In” A Masterful discourse about a way forward between men and women.
Taking Off
What’s important is not what is truly new but what’s about to take off. That would be Women’s Centers.
WCI – Home of the Women’s Centers Movement – creates safe places with the connections and support all women need, especially the poorest. A Center is a ‘base camp’ where a woman can find her power and rise to her place of influence. Our world need lots of base camps!
Seeking visionary allies: Susan@WomensCentersIntl.org
Susan Burgess-Lent 