In a case of “honour killing” by family, Pakistan’s Qandeel Baloch, a social media celebrity & model, was strangled to death by her brother. And her death is yet another reminder of how in our sub continent, a woman is still family’s property. This is no country for bold women.
In its comments on the Draft National Policy for Women, the National Commission for Women, has questioned the Women And Child Development Ministry on its silence on the topic of marital rape.
The new notification by University Grants Commission (UGC) & All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) bans discriminatory rules such as dress codes and hostel curfews in the name of women’s safety. Is it time to rejoice though?
In an interview with tennis player, Sania Mirza, well-known journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, basically asked her, all achievements aside, when was she going to settle down and have kids. Her response received widespread approval & an apology from Rajdeep as well – “You don’t think am settled? You sound disappointed that I am not choosing motherhood over being number one in the world at this point in time.”
Foreign national women, including Indians, who work as domestic helps in Oman have been subjected to exploitation, sexual abuse and inhuman work hours, according to a Human Rights Watch report. The system of justice in Oman has also been inadequate in helping out the victims and many a times returns the women to the employers who have perpetrated the atrocities.
Sabarimala Entry: The Supreme Court indicated that it may refer to a five-judge constitution bench the issue of the centuries-old practice of barring entry of women between 10 and 50 years of age to the historic Sabarimala temple, saying it pertains to violation of fundamental rights. As the judicial proceedings are underway, the Kerala government is regularly doing U-turns on the matter.
Curfew In Kashmir: In several cases of human rights violations in Kashmir, pellet guns are being used against civil society. Pellet guns were first used in 2010, and fall under the category of non-lethal weapons. Entering the 9th day of curfew today, the pellets are causing severe damage to victims, many of whom are losing their eyesight as well.These pellets have also targeted children as young as 5 years of age. Here is a citizen contributed list of human right violations in Kashmir. Currently, the death toll rose to 44, cell phone services are banned and deployment of troops has increased across the valley.
Dadri Lynching: In a case of victim blaming, a court ordered the registration of an FIR against the kin of Mohammad Akhlaq for alleged cow slaughter. Akhlaq was lynched by a mob on the suspicion of of having stored & consumed beef.
What We’re Reading
The talk of a Uniform Civil Code has nothing to do with gender justice. It has entirely to do with a Hindu nationalist agenda to ‘discipline’ Muslims.
Are you tired of sanitary napkin advertisements that show blue liquid and clean-scented periods? Well, here is an ad that shows blood. We do love it.
A felony domestic violence conviction is the single greatest predictor of future violent crime. Between 80 and 90 percent of murderers have prior police records in contrast to 15 percent of American adults overall. Basically, it is time we draw parallels between domestic violence and other acts of public violence & terrorism.
Featured Image Credit: A picture of Qandeel Baloch
