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UN Women is a United Nations organization “delivering programs, policies and standards that uphold women’s human rights and ensure that every woman and girl lives up to her full potential.” On May 13, it released a global report warning that half of women-led and women’s rights organizations in humanitarian crisis zones may shut down within six months. This is due to donor governments cutting humanitarian aid. Most have already reduced staff and services, including 50% of women’s organizations in Afghanistan and 72% in Ukraine. Most cuts have been to services addressing violence against women, healthcare, and livelihood. Organizations report rising violence and harmful coping strategies like child marriage and survival sex. Over 500 women and girls die each day from preventable pregnancy and childbirth complications. Reasons women’s organizations are important in humanitarian response include their ability to reach underserved communities with culturally informed support. They ensure long-term resilience by supporting women’s economic and social empowerment and involvement in policy decisions. The women’s organizations call upon the international community to donate, read the report, share information, and urge governments to act.
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Survivors and frontline activists testified at a legislative health committee meeting in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada, on May 13. Since October, there have been eight femicides during an ongoing epidemic of hundreds of domestic violence cases, although the province has the highest rate of self-reporting by victims. Survivors testified to living in a state of emergency alert for years because of authorities’ refusal to respond. Even with the abuser no longer in the home, families limit activities due to constant threats, stalking, and harassment. Activists stated that part of the solution is to recognize the critical role of the healthcare system. It needs trauma-informed training and partnerships with community-based organizations. A motion was made for the health committee to request the Premier’s Office hold a provincial roundtable with a wide range of perspectives, including survivors, non-profit organizations, law enforcement, key government departments and elected officials. Voting on the motion was deferred until next month.
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The UK is modernizing its voyeurism laws to keep up with abuses of advances in technology. It will be illegal to install or adapt hidden cameras to take intimate images of people without their consent. Maximum sentences are two years, with prosecution possible even if no photo is taken. Cameras have been hidden within pens, buttons, water bottles, air fresheners, alarm sensors, and alarm clocks. Perpetrators often film with cell phones. The issue received attention in February during an emergency safeguarding meeting of Swim England, which is that sport’s governing body. It discussed 48 reported cases of female competitive swimmers filmed in change rooms since January 2024. It recommended pools provide sex-segregated changing facilities along with the more prevalent mixed-sex changing rooms and single-stall “changing villages.”