Latest Stories from Eylül
Are women safe online in 2025?
The 2000s was not the only period when the dot-com bubble burst in the market; it was also the beginning of a new type of cost - the safety of many, particularly women and girls worldwide. Although an online presence can create a haven for equal access to information and a platform for freedom of expression, its potential for the better has been manipulated for something darker. Recent policy changes by META to...
Exclusive – ‘Women of the Wall’ on the fight for the equality of Jewish women
I spoke with Yochi Rappeport, Women of the Wall's Executive Director, about the 36 years of resistance they have endured to achieve their religious freedom mission at the Western Wall. The Western Wall is Judaism's most sacred holy site. Unfortunately, there are social and legal restrictions driven by misconceptions about how Jewish women pray at the Kotel. One of the main limitations is the 2010 regulation that prohibits bringing Torah scrolls...
Understanding femicide and gender violence in Türkiye
Horribly, Türkiye witnessed a high number of femicide cases in 2024. As women in Türkiye work for a safer and better tomorrow, gender inequality must be addressed publicly and privately. One phrase that transcends borders for women is: ‘Text me when you’re home.’ Unfortunately, however, even ‘home’ is’t necessarily a safe place for everyone. According to the UN Women's Report, one woman or girl was killed every 10 minutes by...
Iran delays mandatory hijab law following global outrage
The strictest law in Iran's history concerning the compulsory veil was supposed to be enacted on December 13. In a hopeful turn of events, global outrage has forced the administration to hold off on the bill's implementation. Participating in digital activism in all possible ways - only to rarely witness positive outcomes - may make you wonder, ‘What's the point?’ Recent events in Iran, however, have given us renewed hope...
Iran weaponizing ‘mental health clinics’ for those defying hijab laws
Policies targeting those who refuse to cover up in Iran are growing increasingly strict, with many now at risk of being labeled as mentally ill and subjected to so-called treatment. Maya Angelou once said, ‘Whenever a woman stands up for herself - whether she realizes it or not - she stands up for all women.’ This month, activists worldwide have not only taken a stand but have physically stripped in...
Libya’s women face new threats under ‘morality police’ revival
On November 6th, Emad al-Tarabulsi, the Interior Minister of the Tripoli-based administration, informed plans to re-establish the morality police. The declaration has ignited widespread fears about the erosion of women’s rights in the country. Big Brother has long stopped being a fictional concept. In Libya, it now threatens to monitor people’s lives under the pretext of protecting Islamic social values. Starting next month, these patrols are expected to impose strict measures,...
You might also be suffering from vicarious trauma
As we encounter countless images and news of people in distress, navigating our emotions is becoming increasingly difficult. Remember those stories we heard as kids that made the world seem like nothing but sunshine and happiness? Growing up, we all come to realize that life isn’t a fairy tale. Still, most of us never imagined the extent of agony we’d encounter. With just a click, we gained access to almost every corner...
An Iranian female student becomes new symbol of resistance
Most Iranians have had enough of mandatory hijab enforcement. A video released on Saturday has gone viral, capturing global attention, and spotlighting the situation in Iran. As Iranian women continue to fight for their rights and autonomy — especially since the death of Mahsa Amini on September 16, 2022 — young people have taken on an increasingly active role in this wave of dissent. Amid growing tensions, a student’s protest at...
Opinion – we need to hear Afghan women’s voices now
Taliban de facto authorities have established a new ban, preventing women from hearing other women's voices. At the end of August, the Taliban introduced the Virtue and Vice law, imposing strict regulations on everyday life in Afghanistan, from transportation to personal celebrations and basic freedoms. Article 13, in particular, drew international condemnation for its restrictive measures on women. It forbids them from making eye contact with men outside their family...
What could Russia’s potential ban on ‘children-free’ propaganda mean?
The Russian government's push to reinforce traditional values is intensifying, now targeting media presence about choosing not to have children. What kind of future are you imagining? If children aren’t part of it, you may want to keep that thought to yourself in Russia. After labelling feminists as 'extremists' and banning any media content related to queer people, the Russian government has now set its sights on those promoting 'child-free' propaganda...
