New York, United States | AFP | The neutral pronoun “they” has been voted word of the decade by US language experts, beating out other contenders that included “climate” and “meme”. “They” is used in English by a growing number of non-binary individuals, people who do not identify as …
Read More »A surge in protests around the world in October
Paris, France | AFP | The past weeks have seen a wave of protest movements erupt in countries worldwide. Here is an overview of the main demonstrations that started this month and others that are ongoing. – Bolivia – When? Since October 21. Trigger? The disputed results of the October …
Read More »Enough mansplaining: women tackle gender investment gap
Washington, United States | AFP | As a professional woman in her late 30s, Kate Packard was keen to start investing. Like many novices, her enthusiasm took a knock when she hit a wall of impenetrable jargon — and was all but killed off by “mansplaining” from the men around …
Read More »Gun control, climate: a new US generation takes to the barricades
New York, United States | AFP | In the United States, David Hogg is a leading campaigner for gun control, while in Europe, Greta Thunberg fights to defend the climate. They may only be teenagers, but both have drawn worldwide followings for their clear messages and fierce commitment — symbols …
Read More »Egypt university expels female student for hugging male friend
Cairo, Egypt | AFP | Egypt’s Al-Azhar university on Sunday said it had expelled a female student after she appeared in a video hugging a male colleague, accusing her of undermining the school’s reputation. The video, which went viral earlier this month, showed a young man carrying a bouquet of …
Read More »Restrictions and reforms: Saudi Arabia’s treatment of women
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | AFP | A desperate legal fight by 18-year-old Saudi Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun to stop her deportation from Bangkok airport has yet again shone a spotlight on the treatment of women in her homeland. Ultraconservative Saudi Arabia is striving to craft a new image — but …
Read More »Saudi woman held at Bangkok airport says fears death if repatriated
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP | A Saudi woman held at Bangkok airport said she would be killed if she was repatriated by Thai immigration officials, who confirmed the 18-year-old was denied entry to the country on Sunday. The incident comes against the backdrop of intense scrutiny of Saudi Arabia over …
Read More »Philippines’ Duterte under fire for saying he ‘touched’ maid
Manila, Philippines | AFP | Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte drew outrage Sunday after saying he “touched” his maid when he was a teenager, with women’s rights groups accusing him of attempted rape and encouraging sexual abuse. Duterte frequently sparks uproar with his comments on women, including rape jokes and boasting …
Read More »Germans turn to ‘medibus’ as doctors desert villages
Cornberg, Germany | AFP | For years after the last doctor left the small German village of Weissenborn, 79-year-old former mayor Arno Maeurer had to rely on his car to reach the nearest clinic, as a chronic shortage of practitioners gripped his rural region. But this year a clinic started …
Read More »Sexual harassment in the sky: Hong Kong flight attendants fight back
Hong Kong, China | AFP | Immaculate-looking flight attendants who appear unruffled by the demands of a life spent in the air are part of the slick image sold by carriers — but Hong Kong-based workers are increasingly hitting back against sexual harassment. Female cabin crew told AFP of how …
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