Around the World In 5 is a recurring weekly series spotlighting news concerning women across five different countries. This week’s edition spans May 26 to June 1.
Nigeria
A coalition of over 300 women organizations, known as Womanifesto, is urging Nigerian women to boycott all products of Erisco Foods Limited immediately. The call comes in response to the ongoing incarceration of Chioma Okoli, a tomato paste reviewer, following a complaint by Erisco Foods CEO, Eric Omeofia, in 2023.
Okoli’s negative product review allegedly harmed Erisco’s business, leading to her arrest in September 2023 on charges of conspiracy and cyberstalking. Despite pleading not guilty, she remains in custody pending a ruling on her bail application, with concerns raised over her fundamental rights.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong represents Okoli, while Abdulrashid Isyaku-Sidi represents the Inspector-General of Police in this contentious case.
The United States of America
Louisiana is on the verge of enacting a groundbreaking law that would penalize individuals possessing abortion pills like mifepristone and misoprostol without a prescription. The bill, approved by the House of Representatives, equates these pills with Schedule IV drugs such as Xanax and Ativan, despite the FDA’s classification of them as safe with no abuse potential. Offenders could face heavy fines or prison terms up to five years, although pregnant women are exempt from prosecution. This move sparks controversy over reproductive rights and the criminalization of abortion access.
Ethiopia
Ethiopian women’s rights activist Betelehem Akalework has faced severe harassment, including online abuse, death threats, and physical harassment, leading her to relocate homes twice in two years. Alongside her colleagues, Akalework utilizes social media to advocate for gender equality and address issues like sexual harassment, rape, female genital mutilation, and child marriage.
The activism has subjected her to escalating violence online, with threats ranging from sexual harassment to gang rape and physical harm. Co-founding the Ethiopian Women Human Rights Defenders Network and Afro Feminism — Seta Set Power in 2021, Akalework’s online presence has been targeted, with her accounts hacked, private information leaked, and contact details posted on platforms soliciting sexual services.
Zimbabwe
In their research, scholars Gibson Ncube and Princess Sibanda delve into how LGBTIQ+ Zimbabweans navigate the restrictive environment of their country, where same-sex relations are prohibited. Through a six-month study of TikTok accounts, they explore how online platforms become vital spaces for queer visibility and activism.
By blending national symbols with LGBTIQ+ imagery and employing hashtags like #ThisFlagIsOursToo, queer individuals assert their presence and advocate for inclusion in the national discourse, challenging societal norms and stereotypes.
Australia
The Australian state of Victoria has introduced a new parliamentary secretary role dedicated to “Men’s Behavior Change” in response to increasing incidents of violence against women. Tim Richardson, a lawmaker, has been appointed by Premier Jacinta Allan to lead efforts in addressing attitudes toward women, particularly online. Richardson aims to prioritize women’s safety and end the tragic trend of gender-based violence in Victoria. This initiative follows a distressing statistic of thirty-one women killed in such incidents within the first five months of the year.
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