WISE Honors the 100th International Women's Day

Around the world many women endure the unjust hardship of gender inequality that often gives way to human rights

Women’s Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality (WISE)

WISE Honors the 100th International Women's Day

WISE was proud to honor the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day on March 8, 2011. WISE recognizes the many women, past and present, who have worked to overcome injustice in order to pursue their aspirations and pave the way for other women and men to do the same. Please read WISE's statement on International Women's Day here.

abuses. Join WISE in not only raising awareness on such cases but ensuring these women are afforded justice and dignity. Please kindly send us YOUR suggestions for Calls to Action to be included in our newsletters.

LIBYA: Safety of Iman Al-Obeidi On March 26 Libyan lawyer Iman Al-Obeidi burst into a hotel in Tripoli, where international media outlets were gathered, and began to express her account of being held prisoner and gang raped by 15 members of Moammar Qaddafi's armed forces. Iman was swiftly taken away and confined until April 4. Iman claims her safety is continuously threatened by the government. TAKE ACTION and sign a petition to call for the Turkish government, which has successfully negotiated with Libya for the release of foreign journalists, to ensure Iman's safety and return to her family as well as for an investigation into her alleged rape and abuse. Source: Avaaz.org

AFGHANISTAN: Independence of Women's Shelters The Ministry of Justice in Afghanistan has drafted a regulation that would give the government control of women's shelters. Government representatives would determine who is eligible to enter the shelters and prohibit women and girls from leaving the centers without government permission. In addition, women and girls will be forced to take mandatory medical exams to detect sexual activity. TAKE ACTION and ensure Afghan women's shelters are kept independent from government and in the best interest of women and girls. Source: Amnesty International

NIGERIA: Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutions In the Delta State of Nigeria sexual harassment in higher education institutions is rampant. According to a petition sponsored by the Nigerian women's empowerment organization Delta Women, 80 percent of female students are at one point harassed by either fellow male classmates or lecturers in the Nigerian Delta State. Due to cultural attitudes, many women and girls are reluctant to speak out about the abuse as they are often viewed as the guilty party. TAKE ACTION and call on authorities to pass laws and university policies to protect female students from sexual harassment. Source: Care2.com

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