Around the World in 5 is an ongoing series that highlights news related to women. This week’s post covers August 19 to August 25.

Chile

Chilean activists are raising concerns about the potential reversal of the right to abortion in the country. The far-right faction in Chile aims to include provisions in a new constitution that prioritize “the life of the unborn child and maternity,” posing a threat to the existing abortion rights.

Read more here.

Israel

An influential coalition of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel is causing concern by pushing for sex segregation in public spaces and the establishment of an all-male rabbinical court. Despite the Supreme Court’s rejection of many similar initiatives, the last ten years have witnessed an increasing acceptance of sex segregation, resulting in more instances of separation.

This trend has led to incidents like ultra-Orthodox men preventing secular women from entering train cars, bus drivers refusing to pick up women dressed in revealing attire, and a disruption in the town of Bnei Brak where men halted traffic due to a woman operating a public bus

Read more here.

United States of America

The CDC’s report highlights that 20 per cent of women in the US experience mistreatment during pregnancy and childbirth, with women of color, particularly Black and Hispanic women, facing the highest levels of mistreatment during maternal health screenings and delivery.

This mistreatment, encompassing discrimination based on factors like race, age, weight, and income, contributes to an increased risk of maternal mortality. The report points out that American Indian and Native Alaskan mothers see the greatest rise in childbirth-related deaths. Additionally, the report underscores that over 80 per cent of complications and deaths related to pregnancy are avoidable.

Read more here.

Spain

Spain’s women’s football team, winners of the 2023 FIFA World Cup, are boycotting national team participation until federation chief Luis Rubiales resigns.

This decision stems from Rubiales kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after their victory against England in the World Cup final. Despite reports of his intended resignation on August 25, Rubiales chose to remain in his position, blaming media and officials for what he referred to as “social assassination.”

Read more here.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE will observe “Emirati Women’s Day” on August 28, 2023. This annual event celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of Emirati women and their essential role in the country’s progress and sustainable growth.

The UAE has consistently achieved top rankings in various gender equality reports. It secured the 11th global position and led the Arab world in the UNDP 2022 Gender Inequality Index. The country also maintained its top spot in the Middle East and North Africa for three consecutive years in both the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law Report 2023” and the World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Gender Gap Report.

Read more here.