25 January 2022 - NPWJ News Digest on FGM & women's rights

Articles

FGM victim applies for UK asylum for third time as she fears for her life if found by husband
Sky News , 25 Jan 2022

To claim asylum you have to show that you are being persecuted because of who you are. That falls into five categories under the Geneva Refugee Convention: race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.

Continua

Suicide attempts raise alarm over shaming women in Kyrgyzstan
Al Jazeera, 25 Jan 2022

Four young women have attempted suicide in a small village of Kara-Balta, just 50km (31 miles) from Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek. An ambulance came on time to save them. In a suicide note, one of the young women wrote that she decided to take such a desperate step on January 19 because of the threats she had been receiving from men that accused her of prostitution. Those who shamed the women are known.

Continua

Pakistan’s first woman Supreme Court judge Ayesha Malik sworn in
Al Jazeera, 24 Jan 2022

Pakistan has sworn in Ayesha Malik as its first female Supreme Court judge, a landmark occasion in a nation where activists say the law is often wielded against women. Malik, 55, attended a ceremony in the capital Islamabad where she now sits on the bench alongside 16 male colleagues at Pakistan’s highest court. 

Continua

Afghan Women’s Rights Activists Forcibly Disappeared
Human Rights Watch, 24 Jan 2022

The Taliban’s response to the apparent enforced disappearance of Tamana Paryani, Parwana Ibrahimkhel, and other women activists in Afghanistan has laid bare their intent to eradicate critical women’s voices through unlawful use of force. Taliban leaders have denied arresting the women, heightening concerns for their safety and prompt release. 

Continua

FGM victim urges others to seek help and support
BBC News, 24 Jan 2022

Basma Kamel, 30, underwent the procedure when she was growing up in Cairo, Egypt. She has since received support at a Birmingham clinic which she said helped her accept what happened and to realise she is not less than any other woman. She believes many victims are unaware of the support available.

Continua

Taliban launch raids on homes of Afghan women’s rights activists
The Guardian, 20 Jan 2022

Taliban gunmen have raided the homes of women’s rights activists in Kabul, beating and arresting female campaigners in a string of actions apparently triggered by recent demonstrations. 

Continua