Around The World In 5
This ongoing series highlights women's news and information about foreign policy. This week’s post covers June 17 to June 23.
Honduras
46 women were killed after a riot broke out between gang members in a Honduras prison. Inmates were shot, stabbed with machetes, and beaten, with survivors then set on fire. Officials say that the conflict was planned by members of the Barrio 18 gang, who smuggled in weaponry and overcame the guards before the attack.
Julissa Villanueva, head of the prison system, attributed tensions due to recent attempts by authorities to crack down on illicit activity within the prison.
Read more here.
Italy
Italy’s data protection watchdog on Thursday fined the city of Rome for inscribing the names of women who had abortions on the graves of fetuses.
The scandal first came to light in September 2020 when it was discovered that the graves of aborted fetuses were buried in the Flaminio cemetery without the knowledge of the women involved, whose names appeared on crosses.
This provoked outrage from women’s rights associations and the women involved, who denounced a violation of their privacy.
Read more here.
Taiwan
More than 30 people, mainly women, have come forward in Taiwan over the past month to share stories of sexual harassment and sexual assault on social media inspired by a hit Netflix series, Wave Makers.
Women have also come forward with allegations against members of the KMT, Taiwan’s main opposition party, and the smaller New Power Party.
Read more here.
Nigeria
The Lagos State Government noted an increasing rate of malnourishment among women and adolescent girls in Nigeria. On Friday, it distributed food packs to 600 women.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs Oluyemi Kalesanwo said one major challenge faced by women and adolescent girls in achieving a healthy nutrition was that they were at greater risk of malnutrition due to the increased nutritional needs associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation.
Read more here.
Sudan
The World Health Organization and UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, has warned that the continuing attacks on healthcare facilities, equipment and workers in Sudan are depriving women and girls of life-saving healthcare, with pregnant women hardest hit.
Some 67% of hospitals in areas affected by fighting are closed, and several maternity hospitals are out of action, including Omdurman Hospital, the largest referral hospital in Sudan.
Read more here.