India

The National Commission for Women (NCW) reported that in 2022 there were 31,000 complaints of crimes committed against women, a 30 per cent rise in total complaints registered with the NCW from around 23,700 in 2021 to 30,800 cases in 2022.

6,970 complaints were registered under the protection of women against domestic violence

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The United States of America

This week, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) named Michelle Commander as its new deputy director.

“With her wide-ranging work on global slavery, West Africa and Afrofuturism, Michelle is deeply anchored in history with an understanding of how historic collections intersect with our contemporary world,” Museum director Kevin Young said in a press release. “She has a demonstrated record of embracing innovation to expand a museum’s reach to various communities.”

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The United Kingdom

Women’s rights campaigners gathered outside a Primark store in Derby this week, after a 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on Monday.

The assault took place on Monday, January 9, and was reported at 4.50 pm shortly after it happened. Officers said they had received reports that “a 16-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted by a man” at the store.

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Iran

The daughter of late Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has been sentenced to five years in prison, for her part in the civil unrest triggered by Mahsa Amini’s death, her lawyer says.

Women’s rights activist Faezeh Hashemi, a former lawmaker, was arrested on September 27 accused of “propaganda” and actions against public order and national security, said lawyer Neda Shams.

The authorities have arrested several prominent public figures as demonstrations continue, including athletes and artists who backed the protests.

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Kenya

Police have arrested five people in connection to Edwin Chiloba’s murder, including a long-time friend Jackton Odhiambo. Odhiambo has been highlighted as the main suspect in the murder. Police were permitted by magistrates on Monday to detain the five suspects for 21 days as they continue investigations.

The five suspects have not been charged with any crime.

Chief government pathologist, Dr Oduor, added that Edwin’s nails were discoloured during the post-mortem, indicating that the LGBTQ+ activist had died from lack of oxygen in his system.

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