Latest in Syria
US Feminism Resurges; Conn. Teen Athletes Accused
In good news, feminism is spreading among female voters in the United States. Meanwhile, two Connecticut high school football players stand accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.
Lauren Wolfe Crowdsources Rape, Sex Assault Data
Women are often assaulted and raped in conflict-ridden countries and Women Under Siege is keeping track. As the project grows and spans more and more countries, its founding director stays busy breaking the silence.
Arab Women Say Time for Saying ‘Spring’ Is Over
In sideline panel events at the 57th Commission on the Status of Women, talk was of working for further transformation in everything from the Egyptian constitution to the safety of women throughout the uprisings.
After Prison in Syria I Cannot Ever Forget
The author was imprisoned after participating in a nonviolent protest and carrying a sign that read: “Only in Syria: the thinking mind is imprisoned.” Since her Jan. 9 release, she has felt a responsibility to share the stories of those she left behind in that prison cell.
Holiday Spirit Touches Depths of Consolation, Hope
A medieval song about the slaughter of innocents jumps the human time gap and strikes with potent, emotional force this year. Some of us who don’t pray can find consolation in a bright-spot filtering through otherwise dark news.
Syrian Women Decry Exclusion by Islamist Opposition
Syrian women in the struggle against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime are outraged by the rise of fundamentalist Islamists in the opposition. These men, they say, are marginalizing women who helped bring the revolution to this brink of victory.
Perpetrators Missing from U.N. Anti-Violence Forum
The U.S. ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues was upbeat last week about high-level attention to sexual violence at a U.N. meeting. But Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee was disappointed that African leaders weren’t in the room.
U.N. Gathering Spotlights Syria, Sexual Violence
Sexual violence in Syria and women’s global access to justice are expected to take highest priority as women’s advocates gather for the U.N. General Assembly. Also on the agenda: the unmet development goals for maternal health.
Rights Group Reports Sex Assaults by Syrian Troops
Assad’s military and pro-government militias are said to be regularly using sexual violence against men, women and children with impunity during the current Syrian conflict.