Feminism & Gender

2012 was a special year in terms of publicity of LGBTI community and LGBTI movement in all three South Caucasian countries. Several important steps have been made towards raising acute issues about sexual identity, differences/diversity and social constructs in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia.

Quotas are a necessary prerequisite for full equal political and economic participation, a powerful tool to overcome the glass ceilings, experienced by so many skilled women over decades now.

"Women’s solidarity starts with my decision to hear the Other. To hear her experience, to make a space in my body for her, so that she can let her story come through the way she tells it.  This means that I have agreed that experience of each woman is equally valuable." Lepa Mlađenović about the feminist polics of women’s solidarity.

Women's soccer is slowly gaining ground in parts the Lebanese society. The sport is not only empowering young women, but also helps building bridges between the different religions and sects in the country. But it's still a long way to go until it will be recognized by the media and be accepted by society as a whole.

Exactly 11 years ago, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1325 on Women and peace and security. This groundbreaking document calls for representation of women in peace negotiations and increased protection of women and children against violence in conflict situations. In Israel, our parter organization Itach-Maaki is working for the national implementation of the resolution.

The international project „Transrespect versus Transphobia Worldwide“ researches the human rights situation of trans people worldwide. On October 5th, the research team and representatives presented some first results to a wider public audience. We present the recording of the panel discussion.

Human rights of Lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersexual persons (LGBTI) need to be promoted in developing countries and transformation countries just like everywhere else. However, only nine of 16,500 German foundations and organizations support those efforts. Compared with other groups whose human rights are threatened or restricted, they receive far too little political or financial support.

Modernity predicted that religion would retreat into a private zone of worship and practice. However, recent decades have seen religion become increasingly salient on the political stage worldwide. This politicized religion impinges on women’s rights in problematic ways.

After strong criticism voiced by Afghan human rights and civil society organizations, the Ministry of Justice has modified the draft law on how to celebrate weddings in Afghanistan. The result is disappointing: The changes are merely technical and do not address the common concern of too much interference in people’s private affairs.

Never will women’s rights be sacrificed in talks with the Taliban and never will the Afghan government close women shelters. These are the promises President Karzai made to his people in the middle of a heated debate on women’s rights in Afghanistan. These are two major commitments. Judging by the overall political trends in the country, it might not be easy to stick to them.