Archive

1 Oct

Combatting Rape: A Critical Analysis of France’s National Legal Frameworks Through International and European Standards

This report critically assesses France’s legal response to rape, comparing its national frameworks with international and European standards. Despite notable progress in addressing sexual violence, shortcomings remain in French legislation, which does not fully meet the obligations outlined in international conventions such as CEDAW and the Istanbul Convention. The analysis identifies key areas for reform to improve victim protection, ensure justice, and uphold France’s commitments under human rights law

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

31 Aug

Cyberviolence Against Women at the Dawn of the Development of Artificial Intelligence

The digital revolution has transformed violence against women and girls, giving rise to cyberviolence that complements existing physical and psychological threats. Despite numerous conventions addressing gender-based violence, cyberviolence remains largely unintegrated into international law, even though studies show that a significant percentage of women and girls experience online harassment more than in real life. This report explores the legal framework surrounding online gender-based violence, various forms of cyberviolence, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on its escalation, highlighting the urgent need to address these issues to protect women's rights and promote their digital participation.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

31 Jul

The Interplay Between Traditional Asian Values and Women’s Rights in China

China's recent policy shift, encouraging women to adopt domestic roles to address its demographic crisis, marks a significant reversal in gender equality progress, rooted in traditional Confucian values. This policy underscores the tension between the country's demographic needs and women's rights advancements, as the government prioritises family roles over gender equality. This report explores this policy reversal in the context of international human rights obligations, highlighting the challenge of balancing cultural traditions with gender equality in a rapidly globalising world.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

6 Jun

Across the Border: The Humanitarian Crisis of North Korean Asylum Seekers in China

The forced repatriation of around 60 North Korean asylum seekers by China in April 2024 has raised serious international concerns, as these individuals face severe risks such as torture, forced labour, and execution upon their return to North Korea. China's policy of repatriating North Korean refugees, despite international human rights obligations, leaves an estimated 10,000 to 300,000 refugees in hiding at risk. The report examines the socio-political, legal, and humanitarian aspects of this crisis, calling for international intervention to protect vulnerable asylum seekers.

READ MORE