Global Women’s Rights

Global women’s rights are fundamental human rights, which include the right to live free from violence, slavery, and discrimination; to be educated; to own property; to vote, and to earn a fair and equal wage. At the heart of women’s rights is the attainment of gender equality and freedom of identity, which continues to be a global struggle with persistent sex-based violence and discrimination in many countries, at all levels of society.

Below are some of our most popular news, articles, and podcasts related to global women’s rights, gender equality, gender identity, and rights violations. Click to see a list of other popular global topics.

Female NGO Leader Returns To Afghanistan
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2022, a women’s right to work under Taliban rule and the role non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are playing in negotiations to restore women’s rights. Click here to listen to the podcast.

How The Fight For Women’s Rights Became Polarized At The United Nations
Listen to experts discussing, in August 2021, the backlash and non-governmental organization (NGO) polarization that occurred in the United Nations over women’s rights and how this could affect progress toward gender equality, reproductive health, and LGBT rights. Click here to listen to the podcast.

United Nations Generation Equality Forum On Gender Equality
Listen to experts discussing, in June 2021, the United Nations’ gender equality forum. Learn how gender equality is at the heart of achieving global equality, sustainable economies, and peaceful and prosperous societies. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Turkey Withdraws From Gender-Based Violence Treaty
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2021, Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, a global treaty to criminalize gender-based violence against women. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Criminal Conviction Of Saudi Women’s Rights Activist Loujan al-Hathloul
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2021, the circumstances around the jailing of women’s rights activist Loujan al-Hathoul, her six-year sentence for protesting, and the prospects for gender equality in Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salam. Click here to listen to the podcast.

New Plan To Create Global Value Chain For Women
Listen to experts discussing, in May 2021, the global value chain and the resilience of women workers and women-led organizations. The discussion includes opportunities for a stronger global value chain, through joint investment by the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).  Click here to listen to the podcast.

Women Fighting Back Against Gender-Based Violence In South Africa
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2019, the prevalence of gender-based violence in South Africa, the lack of governmental action, and the organized women’s movement committed to fighting back. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Map Of Where Women Serve In Parliament
Read the report, from March 2019, from a study that mapped where women serve in parliament. Learn which countries’ Parliaments best match their population demographics in terms of female representation. Click here to read the article.

6 Countries That Have Full Gender Equality In The Work Place
Read the report, from a March 2019 study, that analyzed the elements of worker equality and ranked countries on that basis. Learn which countries have full gender equality. Click here to read the article.

Global Gag Rule Significantly Increases Abortion Rates
Listen to experts discussing, in June 2019, the Global Gag Rule (a ban on discussing abortion), the history of the rule, its effect on women’s health, and the fact that it has led to an increase in unsafe abortions. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why This Female Civil Society Leader In Afghanistan Is Urging Greater Engagement With the Taliban
Listen to Zuhra Bahman discussing, in August 2022, her mission with Search For Common Ground, a peacebuilding NGO in Afghanistan. Learn why she returned to Kabul after the Taliban take-over and how her work has changed. Learn about “conflict-sensitive” aid and the progress being made with local Taliban leaders. Listen to her pragmatic message urging greater engagement with the country’s de facto authority, the Taliban. Click here to listen to the podcast.

A Feminist Uprising In Iran
Listen to experts discussing, in October 2022, how the beating death of Mahsa Amini, while in the custody of the Iranian morality police, ignited massive feminist protests throughout Iran. Learn how lethal headscarf enforcement may have united and ignited a broad civil revolt against increasing women’s rights violations by the radical Islamic Republic. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Meet Jamila Afghani, 2022 Laureate of the Aurora Prize For Awakening Humanity
Listen to experts discussing, in November 2022, Jamila Afghani. Learn who she is, why she was awarded the 2022 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, and the history and work of her NGO to advance women’s rights in Afghanistan. Click here to listen to the podcast.

What Kind Of Energy Should Fuel Household Cooking Appliances Around The World?
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the linkage between dirty burning cooking fuels and excessive disease and climate change in the developing world. Learn how a transition to clean gas and electricity, in cooking appliances, could significantly combat smoke-related disease, death, and climate change. Click here to listen to the podcast.

What’s Driving the Agenda at the Commission on the Status of Women This Year
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the agenda and drivers behind this year’s 67th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Learn about the significance of this global UN diplomatic event that is centered on the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women. Click here to listen to the podcast.


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