Terminating Unwanted Pregnancy as a Fundamental Right
A week back, the Bombay High Court quoting ending pregnancy as a basic human right to live with dignity in the society has urged to extend the scope of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act to the mental health of a woman, regardless of whether she is married or not. This support came as a breeze of fresh air for those who believe that a woman has a complete control of her body and the decision about how to live a healthy life should solely be hers.
Grievance redressal committee for LGBTQ+
The society has still not been able to accept the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community into its mainstream and thus, all the violence and abuse that they face end up going to human rights commission or legal services authority. There is no government body that would provide the same cover for this community as it would for the others. However, Kozhikode district administration has set up a great example in this respect by setting up a grievance redressal committee for the LGBTQ+ community.
Child Marriage
One of the most terrible human rights violation, child marriage still remains widespread throughout the globe. It violates children’s right to education, proper healthcare and opportunity. It exposes them to violence, diseases and an unending poverty trap. Despite numerous efforts taken by various organizations around the world to end this practice, we haven’t been able to wipe it off from the face to the earth. New York Times recently published an article that says that laws in 117 countries around the world still permit children under the age of 18 to marry.
Rape Case Updates
For some reason, rape isn’t considered as heinous crime by the law as it is considered by our society. Even the judicial system seems to have a much lighter take on it. Otherwise, how else can one justify only a 4-years jail statement for someone who raped a 10-year old and chopped off her head and hands in cold blood? The rapist has served his statement while the decision on the others involved is still pending.
Other News
Amal Clooney has been known to be one of the flag-bearers for international law and human rights. Recently, she sat before the United Nations and delivered a speech mentioning that she was ashamed that United Nations hasn’t played its role against ISIS to stop the mass murder and enslavement of Yazidi men, women and children in the Middle East. She was fiercely critical of the inaction of the UN in the face of the persecution of the Yazidis.
What we’re reading
How Awra Amba, a small village of 450 residents in Ethiopia has adopted feminism into a law and why it makes sense for every country in the world to do so.
For the longest time, Sonam Kapoor felt guilty of her privilege and how she made her own name in the industry with hard work and perseverance.
Why do we expect policewomen to be Florence Nightingales in Khakhi and what working conditions are like for many women in the police force.
Why Pink is a powerful film, yet it’s also a failure, increasing the gap between the intellectual haves and have-nots.
What we’re watching
We have got hooked onto this show titled “How to get away with murder” which is not just feminist but, in fact, sheds light on so many stereotypes and biases that are prevalent in the society of ours. It certainly screams REPRESENTATION! Diversity for the win!
This week in FII
Launch of FII’s #SupportNotStigma campaign for mental health support and end of stigma on the occasion of World Mental Health Day.
FII team debunks 11 common myths on bisexuality and shares experiences of Kavita Samrah and one guest editor as bisexual women in India.
Nupur Preeti Alok covers the story of Manisha Mashaal, a grassroots anti-caste activist, where she details out her work in the areas of Dalit women’s struggle and leadership.
Madhulika Agarwal writes on deconstructing the ‘Rape is worse than death’ conception.
Featured Image Credit: www.nytimes.com
