Sex workers in South Africa are all potential criminals due to the country’s regressive laws. But their status may change soon, making South Africa the first African country to decriminalise sex work.
While being supported by many sex industry groups, feminists have labelled Amnesty International’s decriminalisation of prostitution a betrayal of women’s rights.
The mobilisation of women has taken on many forms across the continent.
Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko
The Supreme Court let stand a lower court ruling against mandatory ultrasounds for women seeking abortions, but the court leaves in place major—and growing—restrictions on women’s health policies.
A woman at a traditional function in Msinga, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.
Reuters
The Traditional Courts Bill ignores concerns that women do not get a fair hearing. The courts tend to rule in line with patriarchal values; violating the constitution, which guarantees equality.
Queen Elizabeth will often wear a scarf with a triangular fold to shield her hair.
POOL New/Reuters
The intense spotlight on one female baseball star might lead some to believe that she’s the first and only one. She’s not.
Afghan women’s rights activists mourn during the burial ceremony of Farkhunda, an Afghan woman who was beaten to death in Kabul on March 22.
REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail
The brutal mob attack on a young woman in the streets of Kabul reveals the instability of the Afghan government even after 12 years of US and NATO military support and aid.
Attendants wait to serve delegates with water during the opening of the annual full session of the National People’s Congress, the country’s parliament, at Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, March 5, 2015.
Jason Lee/Reuters
You may not have heard the term “street harassment”, but if you’re a woman in Australia, you’ve probably experienced it: whistles, stares, comments by strangers in the street.
Fewer than one in three surgical trainees are women and the numbers fall as doctors reach advanced training.
racorn/Shutterstock
In a high-pressure surgical environment, where older male consultants dominate, and there is great competition for training positions and jobs, women are vulnerable to sexual harassment.