Around the World In 5 is a recurring weekly series spotlighting news concerning women across five different countries. This week’s edition spans May 12 to May 18.
Nigeria
The Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern, Professor Ishaq Akintola, has threatened to take a legal action against the Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, for insisting on stopping the planned mass marriage of 100 orphan girls in Niger State.
Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, had taken legal action to prevent the proposed marriage of 100 orphans in Niger State. She criticized the plan, citing violations of the Child Rights Act and expressing serious concerns about the ages and consent of the girls involved.
Iran
Iran executed at least seven people on Saturday, including two women, as the Islamic Republic escalated its use of capital punishment, according to a nongovernmental organization.
The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) reported that Parvin Mousavi, a 53-year-old mother of two, was hanged in Urmia prison in northwestern Iran, along with five men convicted of various drug-related offenses. Meanwhile, a member of Iran’s Jewish minority faces imminent execution.
Brazil
Brazil has been selected to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, defeating a joint bid from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany (BNG). This marks the first time the hosting rights have been awarded by an open vote, with FIFA’s congress in Bangkok voting 119 to 78 in favor of Brazil on Friday.
This will be the first time the Women’s World Cup is hosted by a South American country.
“Congratulations to Brazil,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The United States and Mexico withdrew their joint bid in April to focus on bidding for the 2031 tournament, and South Africa did the same in November.
Argentina
Three lesbian women have died, and one more is in critical condition in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after a man threw a Molotov cocktail into their boarding house room on May 6, setting it on fire.
Pamela Fabiana Cobas suffered severe burns and died almost immediately. Her partner, Mercedes Roxana Figueroa, succumbed to organ failure two days later, with burns covering 90 percent of her body. Andrea Amarante passed away in the hospital on May 12.
Police have arrested a 62-year-old male suspect but have not disclosed a motive for the attack.
Saudi Arabia
For the first time, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz University will enroll women in its maritime studies programs, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The university will establish a dedicated agency for female students within the maritime studies faculty. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to encourage Saudi women to enter new professions and expand research and study opportunities in this field.
Faisal Al-Thobiani, dean of the faculty of maritime studies, stated that this move will harness women’s potential in the sector, enhancing overall efficiency and sustainability.
Leave a Reply