Around the World In 5 is a recurring weekly series spotlighting news concerning women across five different countries. This week’s edition spans June 9 to June 15.
Argentina
Argentina’s new President, Javier Milei, has dissolved the government agency responsible for gender equality, including efforts to combat gender-based violence. Shortly after assuming office, Milei acted on his campaign promise to dismantle the Ministry of Women, Genders, and Diversity. The ministry has been downgraded from a full ministry to an undersecretariat, and it will now be integrated into the human rights secretariat.
This decision has resulted in approximately five hundred staff members of the undersecretariat losing their jobs, with only around one hundred remaining employed. The State Workers Association expressed concern, highlighting that this marks the first time since 1992, when the National Women’s Council was established, that Argentina will not have an independent body dedicated to implementing public policies aimed at promoting a life free from violence and discrimination, and advancing gender equality.
Brazil
In Sao Paulo and across Brazil, thousands of demonstrators gathered to protest against a proposed bill that would impose stricter penalties on abortions, equating terminations after 22 weeks with homicide. The bill, supported by conservative lawmakers and set for a vote in the lower house, has sparked widespread criticism, particularly for its implications in cases of rape, where pregnancies are often detected later.
Critics argue that most women seeking abortions after 22 weeks are victims of child rape. To oppose the bill, rights groups launched the ‘A child is not a mother’ campaign, which has gained traction on social media and at protests with slogans adorning placards, stickers, and banners. Symbolic red cloaks reminiscent of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” have also become iconic visuals in the demonstrations, drawing comparisons to Gilead, the novel’s theocratic society.
Niger
In Agadez, Niger, female migrants trapped in sex work have turned to crack cocaine to cope with their dire circumstances. The city, historically a transit point for migrants heading to Europe, has now become a hub for drug trafficking as well. Azizou Chehou, who supports migrants in Agadez, highlights the devastating impact of cocaine’s increased availability, leading to an addiction crisis. Women coerced into sex work to repay transportation debts are now caught in a cycle of exploitation, drug use, and ongoing indebtedness.
South Korea
A gym in South Korea has sparked controversy by prohibiting misbehaving “aunties”, reigniting a discussion on age discrimination against older women in the country.
Located in Incheon city near Seoul, the gym displayed a sign stating “off limits to ajummas” and “only cultivated and elegant women allowed”. The term “ajumma” broadly refers to older women, typically from their late 30s onwards, but can also carry a negative connotation implying rudeness or obnoxious behavior.
While local reports did not disclose the gym’s name or the owner’s identity, the owner defended the decision, citing financial losses due to the disruptive behavior of certain older female patrons.
“[Some older women customers] would spend an hour or two in the changing room doing their laundry, and were accused of stealing items such as towels, soaps, or hair dryers,” he explained in a televised interview with South Korean news agency Yonhap.
The United States of America
The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed a challenge aimed at restricting access to the abortion pill, mifepristone. The case, brought by abortion opponents against the FDA, was consolidated from two separate challenges. The Court ruled that the plaintiffs did not have the legal standing to challenge the availability of mifepristone, which has been FDA-approved for over twenty years and has seen expanded access since 2016 and 2021, including through mail and telemedicine services.
Mini Timmaraju, CEO and president of Reproductive Freedom for All, expressed relief at the Supreme Court’s decision, criticizing the case as baseless and asserting that attempts to block abortion access should never have reached the Court.
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