Friday, August 4, 2017
Jordanian Parliament Repeals ‘Marry the Rapist’ Law
Yes, you read it right. Jordan’s Parliament has just repealed its ‘marry the rapist’ law, following a concerted campaign by women’s rights groups in the country.
Rapists could previously escape punishment by marrying their victim. But this change in the law means that’s no longer possible.
“This is a victory to the women’s movement and the human rights movement in Jordan,” said Salma Nims, Secretary General of the Jordanian National Commission for Women.
Once approved by the country’s Senate and royal government, the law will be officially cancelled.
Nearly 60,000 Suicides in India Linked to Global Warming
New research from the University of California, Berkeley, found that global warming contributed to nearly 60,000 suicides among farmers in India – a country where suicide rates have already doubled since 1980.
Up to 800 million people rely on agriculture in India to feed their families and make a living. A government-backed scheme set up in 2016 allows farmers to pay in a small percentage premium to reclaim the full value of their crops if they fail.
However, more work is needed to provide proper protections for Indian farmers.
Women in Saudi Arabia Call for Equal Rights through a Music Video
Time to end the week on a more positive note! If you haven’t seen this already, check out this music video by women in Saudi Arabia calling for equal rights.
The video criticizes the ‘guardianship system’ which bans women from traveling, marrying, and sometimes working or accessing healthcare without the authorization of a male relative.
