Feminist Dissent statement in solidarity with Afghan women and all those fighting fundamentalism: Fear is their weapon, Courage is yours

Feminist Dissent views with horror and dismay the betrayal of the people of Afghanistan and all those fighting fundamentalist movements everywhere. Before and since the August 15th 2021 takeover of the country by Taliban, we have watched news of protest marches and heard Afghan women speak out. We are in awe of their steadfast courage in the… Read More Feminist Dissent statement in solidarity with Afghan women and all those fighting fundamentalism: Fear is their weapon, Courage is yours

Alia Waheed: Pakistan reckons with its ‘gender terrorism epidemic’ after murder of Noor Mukadam

The family of a 27-year-old woman who was allegedly tortured and beheaded by the son of a business tycoon have spoken of their devastation in a case that has pushed Pakistan to examine what has been called a “gender terrorism epidemic”. Zahir Zakir Jaffer was arrested on suspicion of the pre-meditated murder of Noor Mukadam, the youngest… Read More Alia Waheed: Pakistan reckons with its ‘gender terrorism epidemic’ after murder of Noor Mukadam

Homa Hoodfar & Mona Tajali: Taliban ‘has not changed,’ say women facing subjugation in Afghanistan / Geeta Pandey: The Indian girl killed for wearing jeans

The Taliban insurgents continue their deadly war to seize control of Afghanistan after the departure of United States and NATO forces. As they close in on major cities that were once government strongholds, like Badakhshan and Kandahar, many Afghans – and the world – fear a total takeover. Afghan women may have the most to fear… Read More Homa Hoodfar & Mona Tajali: Taliban ‘has not changed,’ say women facing subjugation in Afghanistan / Geeta Pandey: The Indian girl killed for wearing jeans

Vrinda Grover: How Tejpal judgement ends up slandering the rape survivor / Tejpal case: Trial court verdict like ‘manual for rape victims’, says HC

The 527-page document is so cluttered with references to the past sexual history of the prosecutrix that it effectively invisibilises the accused    On May 21, 2021, the court of additional sessions judge Kshama M Joshi, Mapusa, pronounced her judgement acquitting former Tehelka editor, Tarun Tejpal, of all charges of sexual  harassment, molestation, rape etc… Read More Vrinda Grover: How Tejpal judgement ends up slandering the rape survivor / Tejpal case: Trial court verdict like ‘manual for rape victims’, says HC

China’s feminists protest against wave of online abuse with ‘internet violence museum’

Late last month, an “unknown hill in the Chinese desert” was blanketed in scores of large red and white banners, flapping vitriol in the breeze. “I hope you die, bitch,” said one. “Little bitch, screw the feminists,” said others. They were all actual messages sent to women, a direct act of harassment anonymised by social media.… Read More China’s feminists protest against wave of online abuse with ‘internet violence museum’

RUCHI KUMAR: In India’s Bohra community, a battle over genital mutilation

The woman took Johari and lifted her frock while her mother held her down on a mattress on the floor; minutes later her clitoral hood had been cut, in accordance with the ancient tradition of khafz, or female genital cutting (FGC). “I was in a lot of pain and I remember crying inconsolably,” says Johari,… Read More RUCHI KUMAR: In India’s Bohra community, a battle over genital mutilation

London: crowd protests against policing of Sarah Everard vigil / Who's surprised that the suspected killer of Sarah Everard is a policeman?

More than a thousand people streamed into Parliament Square in London on Sunday evening to make their voices heard outside the seat of government following clashes at a vigil for Sarah Everard, with police this time taking a hands-off approach. Calling for the resignation of the Met commissioner, Cressida Dick, and the scrapping of the police, crime, sentencing… Read More London: crowd protests against policing of Sarah Everard vigil / Who's surprised that the suspected killer of Sarah Everard is a policeman?

Annie Kelly: Female workers at H&M supplier in India allege widespread sexual violence

Women in India making children’s clothes for H&M have spoken out about widespread sexual violence they claim to have faced at one of the company’s suppliers in India. The allegations come just weeks after the body of Jeyasre Kathiravel, a 21-year-old Dalit garment worker, was found in a field close to her family home after she failed… Read More Annie Kelly: Female workers at H&M supplier in India allege widespread sexual violence