Archive

30 Sep

Gender-Responsive Transportation Policies in the Mena Region

Gender-blind infrastructure planning neglects the distinct needs of men and women, perpetuating inequalities in access and safety. In regions like the Middle East and North Africa, designing gender-responsive and inclusive transportation systems is essential for empowering women and closing the global gender gap.

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14 Aug

Azerbaijani Women: From Soviet Influence to Post-Independence Challenges

Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic with a predominantly Muslim population, gained independence in 1991. Under Soviet rule, women experienced significant advancements in education, employment, and rights, but patriarchal traditions persisted, creating dual burdens of work and household duties. Post-independence, women's progress continues to evolve, shaped by national identity, cultural debates, and gender roles amidst interethnic conflicts.

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12 Aug

Gendered Politics – Why Women are Less Likely Than Men to Run for Election

Despite cultural shifts and institutional efforts to achieve more balanced representation, women remain significantly underrepresented in politics. This article explores the deeper, often overlooked obstacles that may prevent women from running for office, including gendered socialisation, financial barriers and the hostile political environment they face. Women have to navigate more complex decision-making processes and face higher costs than men when considering running for office. As a result, the root cause of under-representation lies in societal structures rather than a lack of ambition or ability.

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8 Jul

Sexual Citizenship: Who Gets to be a Citizen Through the Lens of Gender, Sexuality, and Identity

The concept of citizenship historically excluded women, immigrants, and non-heterosexual individuals, with men— especially white, heterosexual males —at its centre. Despite modern legal frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights granting everyone the right to citizenship, many people remain stateless due to various exclusions. Focusing on Western countries, this article explores the institutional and personal dimensions of sexual citizenship, examining how gender, sexuality, and identity impact who is granted full citizenship rights.

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1 Jul

Navigating Populism: Women’s Struggle for Political Representation

In recent decades, the growing representation of women in politics has brought both progress and backlash, with feminist demands increasingly recognised by institutions. However, the rise of populist parties around the world has weaponised these gains, using feminist rhetoric to push regressive, gendered agendas that ultimately threaten women's rights and those of minority groups. As this report explores, the manipulative instrumentalisation of feminist causes by populist leaders underscores how deeply women's rights and democratic principles are intertwined, with neither being able to thrive in the absence of the other.

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30 Jun

Women’s Rights in Afghanistan: A Periodic Review

Afghanistan's women are facing severe setbacks in their rights following the Taliban's return to power, which has led to significant restrictions on education, freedom of movement, and overall well-being. This report examines the complex history and current state of women's rights in Afghanistan, highlighting their resilience and ongoing struggle for dignity amidst oppressive policies. The resurgence of the Taliban has reignited global concern for women's rights, emphasising the urgent need for international support and solidarity in safeguarding their fundamental rights and empowering them for a just future.

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31 May

Conquering the Right to Abortion: The French Journey on Women’s Access to Abortion

Simone de Beauvoir’s quote from 1949 remains relevant today to fight for women’s rights, particularly sexual and reproductive rights. Statistics show that six out of ten unintended pregnancies result in […]

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14 May

Women in Gaza

The report focuses on the situation of Palestinian women in Gaza, specifically addressing gender-based violence (GBV), health challenges, and how it fits into International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The situation in […]

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1 Aug

Understanding Intersectional Feminism: Origins, Modern Activism and Critiques

Intersectionality is a key concept in contemporary feminist discourse, examining the disproportionate impact of oppression on individuals due to interlocking identity factors like race, gender, class, sexuality, disability, or nationality. […]

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1 Apr

Women and Girls in Refugee Settings

The report examines the gender-specific challenges faced by women and girls within the refugee framework, beginning with the historical oversight in the UN Refugee Convention and subsequent grassroots efforts to […]

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