The silent crisis of obstetric violence in Indian hospitals
In maternity wards across India, a disturbing pattern of mistreatment and disrespect towards pregnant women has emerged. While government initiatives aim to promote hospital births, this raises questions about women’s safety and the quality of care in these environments. Though relatively new to India, a silent crisis of obstetric...
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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 —...
Death of Ella Kissi-Debrah leads to government settlement
As the first person to have air pollution linked to their death, Kiss-Debrah’s death marks a turning point for greener legislation. In a landmark decision, the UK government has agreed to compensate Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, mother of Ella Kissi-Debrah, who died after a fatal asthma attack in 2013. Ella’s death certificate, for...
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...
A guide on how to waste less this Halloween
The scariest thing about spooky season might just be its impact on the planet. It’s that time of year again – the air is crisp and the days are shorter, signalling a return to Halloween’s many rituals: pumpkin carving, costume shopping, and houses haunted by single-use plastic. While Halloween may have a...
Emergency contraception could be banned in India
Regulatory bodies are considering restricting access to over-the-counter morning after pills. This has sparked a debate about women’s reproductive rights and public health priorities. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is currently considering banning the sale of over-the-counter emergency contraception, particularly that which contains Levonorgestrel. Until now, morning after pills...
80% of young women reportedly had pain dismissed in UK
Historically, women have experienced severe disparities in their healthcare, where pain is often misunderstood and dismissed. The ‘gender pain gap’ remains notably problematic in the UK according to annual reports. Nurofen’s third-annual Gender Pain Gap Index report has revealed that 81% of UK women aged 18-24 have had their pain dismissed or ignored. The independent review surveyed over 5,000 women and men in the UK to analyse attitudes and experiences...
The silent crisis plaguing India’s prison system
In recent years, the health of political prisoners across India – from scholars to activists – has severely deteriorated in custody and some have even died as a result. This human rights issue reveals a systemic failure and demands immediate attention and reform.
The death of G.N. Saibaba, a 90 per cent physically disabled human rights defender, marks another tragic chapter in India’s handling of political prisoners.
Saibaba, who 
Is Elon Musk really allowed to pay voters?
The tech billionaire has planted himself at the center of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, and not without controversy. With the 2024 presidential election just weeks away, Elon Musk has established himself as a key supporter of Republican nominee Donald Trump. From a rambling conversation between the two, streamed on Musk’s platform X, to an appearance at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the billionaire is on a mission to secure...
Why India needs feminism more than ever
The movement is addressing deeply rooted systemic issues countrywide – from workplace discrimination to social stigma – amid the continued fight for tangible gender equality. According to a recent analysis conducted by the Centre for Global Development (based in Washington DC), there exists widespread gender bias in Indian learning materials. The comprehensive study examined 526 textbooks, including 60 from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)...
