#MeToo movement gathers momentum in China
A slew of sexual-misconduct allegations is surfacing in China, a sign of pent-up frustration about the treatment of women and a testament to the rise of a generation increasingly willing to speak up.
Women's rights & well-being
This archive covers documented progress on women’s rights and well-being worldwide — from legal reforms and health advances to economic gains and shifts in policy. Stories here focus on what’s working, who’s driving change, and where meaningful progress is taking hold.
Japan is having its own #MeToo moment
The #MeToo movement captured the nation’s attention after a top-ranking Finance Ministry official was accused by a female reporter of repeated sexual harassment.
Iowa Supreme Court blocks 72-hour abortion waiting period law
The judge sided with Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa in a lawsuit.
Saudi Arabia issues driving licences to women for first time in decades
Saudi Arabia has issued driving licences to women for the first time in decades just weeks before a ban on female drivers is lifted.
Ireland votes to end abortion ban
Ireland voted decisively to repeal one of the world’s more restrictive abortion bans, dealing the latest in a series of stinging rebukes to the Roman Catholic Church.
#MeToo justice infiltrates the aid sector as sexual exploitation allegations proliferate
Many said that despite repeated warnings going back 15 years to a then controversial report by Save the Children on the prevalence of sexual abuse in west Africa that include aid worker abuse the issue has long been ignored by managers.
Iceland becomes first country to legalize equal pay
The legislation, which came into force on Monday, the first day of 2018, makes Iceland the first country in the world to legalise equal pay between men and women.
Brenda Hale sworn in as first female president of U.K.’s supreme court
The first woman appointed to be a law lord, in 2004, Hale had to wait until this week for a second woman to join her on the U.K.’s highest court.
Nepal outlaws custom of exiling women during their periods
The ancient Hindu tradition of Chhaupadi, whereby women are confined to animal sheds during menstruation to keep “impurity” out of the home, was banned by the supreme court in 2005.
Jordan repeals law allowing rapists to avoid punishment if they marry their victims
The decision is expected to be approved by the upper house, and then ratified by King Abdullah II.