Confronting the political weaponisation of transgender issues
In the charged landscape of modern global politics, where culture wars often overshadow human rights, the transgender community’s struggle reveals deep-rooted systemic inequalities. Political campaigns and electoral systems worldwide continue to marginalise transgender communities, reflecting complex layers of social, economic, and political discrimination. What was once a marginal discussion has...
Current in Change
UK lawmakers get closer to legalising assisted dying
Should assisted dying be made available in the UK? Many government representatives across the nation believe so – and they’ve just moved one step closer to legalising it. Last week marked a historic shift in the contentious debate on assisted dying in the UK. For the first time in nearly a...
New Zealand faces protests over controversial new bill
The Treaty Principles Bill, introduced by the ACT Party, has sparked heated debate in New Zealand, raising concerns about its potential impact on Māori rights and the foundational partnership established by the Treaty of Waitangi. In recent days, New Zealand saw peaceful protests with tens of thousands of people marching...
The case for real versus artificial Christmas trees
It’s the festive debate to end all festive debates. But which tree really is better for the planet? For decades, the debate over real versus artificial Christmas trees has been the festive equivalent of pineapple on pizza. It’s divisive, personal, and a little exhausting. You might choose artificial trees for their...
Understanding Africa’s unmet needs at COP29
The just concluded COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, once again left Africa grappling with unfulfilled commitments from previous summits. Baku’s COP29 brought together close to 200 countries, highlighting the Global South’s critical need for financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building to adapt to escalating climate challenges. Nevertheless, major promises made...
Nigeria introduces free cesarean section for vulnerable women
In addressing the alarming maternal mortality rate, Nigeria has launched a free cesarean sections (C-sections) program to vulnerable women and girls in rural areas of the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria ranks fourth globally in maternal mortality, a saddening statistic underscoring the need for urgent...
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...
Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis has highlighted women’s resilience
In the shadow of ongoing conflict, the women of Lebanon stand as pillars of strength, navigating a landscape of destruction, displacement, and persistent systemic challenges that threaten to erase their voices and identities. The current crisis in Lebanon is more than just a humanitarian emergency – it is a profound human rights catastrophe that exposes the intersectionality of gender, violence, and geopolitical conflict. Since the escalation of military...
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,...
Will the UK’s new spiking laws be effective?
Seeking to ensure the safety of women and girls in Britain, the government is cracking down on this growing epidemic. With gender-based violence almost at a breaking point, however, the pledge must be matched with systemic change if it’s to make a tangible difference. It’s common knowledge that gender-based violence (VAWG) is an ever-worsening issue throughout the UK and that local authorities aren’t doing nearly enough to...
