Around the World in 5 is an ongoing series that highlights news related to women in five countries, updated every week. This week’s post covers January 20 to January 27.
Kenya
In Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Nyeri, and Lodwar, hundreds gathered with some holding placards bearing the names of those who fell victim to violence. Shockingly, a 2022 survey revealed that one in three Kenyan women has faced physical violence at some point in her life.
Saturday’s protests stem from a string of horrific murders, including the tragic case of Rita Waeni, whose dismembered body was discovered in a plastic bag at an Airbnb rental apartment. Femicide, the intentional killing of women or girls because of their gender, has plagued Kenya, with Amnesty International documenting over 500 cases between 2016 and 2023.
Most victims fell prey to intimate partners or acquaintances. Advocates demand swift justice for recent victims of sexual and gender-based violence, urging authorities to take decisive action.
Read more here.
Nigeria
The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence court has sentenced Feyi Daniels, the founder of iReign Christian Ministry, to life in prison for raping a church member.
The trial judge, Rahman Oshodi, found the Lagos-based cleric guilty of rape and sexual assault against a female worshipper.
Daniels had claimed during his defense that he believed three out of the four women who accused him of sexual assault conspired against him.
Read more here.
Morocco
Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi has been garnering attention as she achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Arab female referee to officiate a game in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Reports are abuzz with praise as Karboubi took the field to referee the AFCON match between Nigeria and Guinea Bissau.
Al Sharq highlighted her groundbreaking feat, noting that Karboubi is the first Arab and the second African female referee to officiate a men’s football match in the African Cup of Nations, following in the footsteps of Rwandan referee Salima Kaasagana from the previous edition of the championship.
Afghanistan
The United Nations revealed on Monday that the Taliban government in Afghanistan had compelled hundreds of females to leave their jobs, accusing them of not adhering to the Islamic law requirements imposed on women nationwide.
According to the latest report from the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which covered the last quarter of 2023, these dismissals highlight ongoing challenges in a country where millions rely on humanitarian aid. The report emphasized that the Taliban authorities persist in enforcing strict limitations on women’s rights, including their right to work, education, and freedom of movement.
The report cited instances where non-compliance with the hijab or dress code, lack of a mahram (male relative), and other constraints on women in public places, offices, and educational institutions led to approximately 600 women losing their jobs in two Afghan provinces during the documented period.
Japan
Japan Airlines has made history by appointing a woman, Mitsuko Tottori, as its next president, marking a rare occurrence in the realm of major Japanese corporations and global airlines alike.
Tottori’s journey with the flag carrier began in 1985 as a flight attendant, steadily climbing the ranks over the years. Expressing her hopes for inspiring other women to pursue their career aspirations, she acknowledged the significance of her promotion. While strides have been made, the representation of women in senior leadership roles within major airlines remains limited.
Tottori is set to assume the role of president on April 1, succeeding Yuji Akasaka, who will transition to the position of chairman, the airline’s most esteemed role. These appointments come in the wake of a recent incident where a Japan Airlines plane collided with a smaller coastguard aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
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