Around The World In 5
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 October 30 to November 04.
Palestine
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have raised a grave concern about the disproportionate impact of the recent escalation of hostilities in Gaza on women, children, and newborns.
These vulnerable groups are not only suffering as casualties but are also experiencing a significant reduction in their access to essential health services.
According to data from the Ministry of Health as of November 3, a distressing 2,326 women and 3,760 children have lost their lives in the Gaza strip, accounting for 67 per cent of all casualties. Additionally, thousands more have sustained injuries, resulting in a tragic daily average of 420 children killed or wounded, some of them as young as a few months old.
Kenya
Maasai women in Kenya, belonging to the Iloplei Twala Cultural Manyatta Women Group, have harnessed the power of transforming a troublesome cactus species into both bio-gas and a source of sustenance.
With a membership of 203 women, they've found employment in converting cactus pulp into a valuable fuel source, which can also be used within their households. This innovative approach not only helps eliminate the cactus problem but also provides them with an alternative means of livelihood.
United States of America
The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held in New York on November 3,
celebrated the remarkable contributions of women and Black artists to the music industry.
The event began with performances by Sheryl Crow and Olivia Rodrigo, and it concluded over with a spectacular set by Missy Elliott. The induction ceremony honored Chaka Khan, Kate Bush, Don Cornelius (the creator of "Soul Train"), the Spinners, and DJ Kool Herc, encompassing genres like funk, art-rock, R&B, and hip-hop, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Notably, this year's ceremony underscored the significance of Black and women artists, a pivotal shift following the removal of Jann Wenner, the co-founder of Rolling Stone and the hall itself, from the board of directors.
Sudan
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) expressed alarm on Friday over reports that in Sudan, women and girls are being abducted, chained and held in “inhuman, degrading slave-like conditions” in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur.
As of Thursday, the joint OHCHR-UNITAMS (the UN assistance mission) office in Sudan has received reports of more than 50 incidents of sexual violence directly linked to the hostilities, impacting at least 105 victims. Among these victims, 86 are women, one is a man, and 18 are children. These distressing incidents encompass 23 cases of rape, 26 cases of gang rape, and three cases of attempted rape.
Of the confirmed incidents of sexual violence, at least 70 per cent, totaling 37 cases, are attributed to men wearing RSF uniforms, while eight cases are linked to armed men affiliated with the RSF. Additionally, two cases involve men in unidentified uniforms, and one case is connected to the SAF. The remaining cases involve men who have yet to be identified.
China
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the crucial role of women in establishing a "new trend of family" as China faces challenges associated with an aging population and a significant decline in birth rates. In comments published by the state news agency Xinhua on Monday, President Xi highlighted that the role of women was a significant topic of discussion with the leadership team of the All China Women's Federation, an organization operating under the Communist Party.
He stressed that excelling in women's work is not only essential for the development of women themselves but also vital for promoting "family harmony, social harmony, national development, and national progress." President Xi's remarks underscore the importance of empowering women and recognizing their contributions to various aspects of society.