The "Maggies" in 1950s Dublin The Irish government has changed its tune about offering an apology to victims of the Magdalene Laundries. These institutions, operated by Catholic nuns, incarcerated up to 10,000 women from 1922 to 1996. Since the last laundry was shuttered, survivors and advocates have been demanding an official apology from the state, as well as compensation for wages, pensions, and healthcare.  For the last decade or ... Read More

It was May 3rd 2006, a group of women walked together within the fresh scent of the flowers they were planning to sell at the Texcoco local market. They must have been relishing the small pieces of triumph and hope within themselves, because today was the day they had been told they could finally sell their flowers again. Thoughts of returning home with happy little extras for their families that night were swiftly extinguished upon their ... Read More

This past week, several members of Congress re-introduced the International Violence Against Women Act, a bill designed to support international programs to end violence against women. From an article on Politico.com, co-written by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and Representative Bill Delahunt (D-MA), as well as Larry Cox and Kerry Kennedy (from Amnesty International USA): "IVAWA will support innovative programs that challenge public attitudes ... Read More

  Elizabeth Simbiwa Sogbo-Tortu was disqualified from running for chief in an election in her home country of Sierra Leone, because she is a woman. Not only was she barred from the election solely based on her gender, but as of Monday, she could not return to her home because it had been besieged by members of a Sierra Leone traditional group and her convoy pelted with stones. She has taken refuge in the capital and at the time was ... Read More