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| News July August 2007 |
News July August 2007
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BRISBANE FEMINISM ONLINE – JULY AUGUST 2007
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Hi People
Welcome to the July & August BFO newsletter. There will be no separate August newsletter as Kitty will be taking some time out for maternity leave in August. We look forward to emailing you all again in September. The website will stay updated so don’t forget to pop in once in a while at www.brisbanefeminismonline.net
There are some great things ahead for the feminists of Brisbane including talks, conferences, shows, fundraisers and discussion nights. Reclaim the Night meetings are on regularly now, Children by Choice has some more fundraising events and Vulcana’s circus workshops start this week.
Best regards and spread the word.
Kitty and Andrea
2007 BFO Editor
Feedback welcome to editor@brisbanefeminismonline.net
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IN THIS ISSUE
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LOCAL NEWS
1. MUSGRAVE PARK FAMILY FUN DAY
2. REAL ADVENTURE WOMEN (RAW)
3. WHY WOMEN MAKE NATURAL LEADERS: BREAKFAST WITH LOIS FRANKEL
4. VULCANA WORKSHOPS
5. INTERNATIONAL FEMINIST SUMMIT TOWNSVILLE
6. RECLAIM THE NIGHT MEETINGS
7. FEMINIST DISCUSSION NIGHT: FEMINISM AND POWER
8. WONDER WOMAN WORKSHOPS
9. FEMINIST MOTHERS DISCUSSION GROUP: Fatherhood
10. LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN (PG)
11. RESPECT A MUSICAL JOURNEY OF WOMEN
12. THE BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
13. BRISSC PRINTING WORKSHOP 1 – DESIGN & PRINT ENVIRO BAGS
14. INTRODUCING…HIV/AIDS
15. RECLAIM THE NIGHT MEETINGS
16. MARKED WOMAN (U15)
17. BRISSC PRINTING WORKSHOP 2 – LINO CUTS ON TEXTILES
18. BRISSC PRINTING WORKSHOP 3 & 4 – BANNER MAKING AND SILK PAINTING
19. EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND EVERYTHING... THE TRIPLE LAYERS OF A WOMAN'S LIFE
20. BRISSC PRINTING WORKSHOP 5 & 6 – PHOTO PRINTING ON TSHIRTS
21. CXC FUNDRAISER: RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S "CAROUSEL"
CAMPAIGNS AND ARTICLES
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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LOCAL NEWS
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1. MUSGRAVE PARK FAMILY FUN DAY
Fri 13th July
Musgrave park family fun day during the naidoc 50th anniversary! Musgrave Park Family Fun Day was established in July 1992 as an annual festival held in Brisbane for NAIDOC week. This years 50th Anniversary of NAIDOC, theme 'Looking Forward, Looking Blak' is asking All Australians to play a part to improve life opportunities of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders and respect for their position and role in the life of the nation. Musgrave Park Family Fun Day provides an opportunity for all people to come together in solidarity to promote, celebrate and enjoy the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Musgrave Park is an historical meeting place for Aboriginal people and holds traditional and spiritual significance for those in Brisbane and the surrounding areas. The festival will feature contemporary and traditional performances, live music, information stalls, kids entertainment, arts, crafts and traditional food village. Entry to this event is by gold coin donation (kids free) and ALL are welcome! NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week (see History of NAIDOC), and its acronym has become the name of the week itself. Cost: Gold coin donation Contact: Musgrave Park Cultural Centre - phone: 07 3844 8132 - web: www.musgraveparkculturalcentre.org.au
NAIDOC Web: www.naidoc.org.au
2. REAL ADVENTURE WOMEN (RAW)
July 2007
RAW is a women's adventure recreation activity program giving women aged 16 years and over the opportunity to experience sporting and recreational activities in a friendly, supportive and non-competitive environment. Enjoy our fabulous city from the road, river, mountains and air while developing skills and forming new friendships. Where possible, RAW activities are instructed by women and all equipment is supplied. Activities are designed to suit both beginners and those with more experience. The list of RAW activities varies between programs. It includes a range of indoor, outdoor and water sports from archery to sailing to tai chi. All RAW activities offer fantastic value for money.
3. WHY WOMEN MAKE NATURAL LEADERS: BREAKFAST WITH LOIS FRANKEL
Monday 16 July
Don't miss Dr Lois Frankel on the Brisbane stop over of her 2007 Australian tour. If you work nonstop without a break...worry about offending others and back down too easily...explain too much when asked for information...or "poll" your friends and colleagues before making a decision, chances are you have been bypassed for promotions and ignored when you expressed your ideas.
http://www.aimevents.com.au/events/brisbane/event_070716_breakfast.htm
4. VULCANA WORKSHOPS
16 July
Run away with the circus with V U L C A N A Women’s Circus. Vulcana runs Circus workshops at the Brisbane Powerhouse for women of all ages and fitness level. Try your hand at TrapezeAerial SilkAcrobalanceStilts Hula-HoopsJugglingFire and more… Our philosophy… ~ to empower women ~ to support women ~ to encourage diversity of cultures creativity & physical expression For more information please contact Vulcana Women’s Circus on 3358 1888 or admin@vulcana.org.auwww.vulcana.org.au Next term starts 16 July
5. INTERNATIONAL FEMINIST SUMMIT TOWNSVILLE
17 – 20 July
“Women of Ideas: Feminist Thinking for a New Era” 17 - 20 July 2007 - Townsville Australia This feminist event is for all women who denounce the escalating violence and oppression that mark the 21st Century, who rage against the continued exclusion and silencing of women throughout the world, and who are convinced that a strong feminist response is essential for the creation of a fairer future.
http://www.feministagenda.org.au/Summit/summitIndex.html
6. RECLAIM THE NIGHT MEETINGS
18th July
No experience necessary. Just bring yourself. Tell other women you know about it if you want share your ideas or just listen to other women's ideas if you don't want to share. Some stuff we may talk about: Reclaim the Night-what's it all about... Designs for a poster publicity ideas themes /demands/purpose/goals of RTN Workshops/events leading up to event Workshops at event? Entertainment ideas Campaigning ideas Activist ideas ANYTHING else you wud like to talk about Meeting starts 6pm Wednesday 13th June at Trades and Labour Council Building (TLC), Level 216 Peel Street South Brisbane (train tracks on right) There is parking around the back of the building and there is the Cultural Centre Bus Way stop a block away along with South Brisbane Train Station. I’m happy to offer lifts to public transport hot spots and West End if needed after the meeting. Next Meeting 18th July 6pm Give Heidi a call on 3391 2573 or email if you need any more info.
7. FEMINIST DISCUSSION NIGHT: FEMINISM AND POWER
Wednesday 18TH July
The next fascinating discussion night from 7pm onwards ... The topic for discussion will be Feminism and Definitions of Power: If feminists are seeking equality and power for women then it begs the question - What is power? Come for a sumptuous mid winter night out to explore this interesting question ...Email Kitty for Venue details.
kitty@brisbanefeminismonline.net
8. WONDER WOMAN WORKSHOPS
Winter Workshops
Have you ever watched one of those TV makeover programs where some wonder woman manages to build a new front fence and remodel the kitchen all in an afternoon? Are You a Potential Wonder Woman? We cannot promise to give you the skills to achieve a television style makeover of your home and garden, but you are invited to become a participant in one of our popular Wonder Woman workshops.
http://bn.tafe.qld.gov.au/courses_and_careers/topics/viewpublishtext.php?courseid=3811
9. FEMINIST MOTHERS DISCUSSION GROUP: Fatherhood
Friday 27th July
Join in on the ongoing discussion of how feminism influences your parenting and parenting influences your feminism. This month’s topic will be fatherhood and feminism. Contact kitty for more details.
kitty@brisbanefeminismonline.net
10. LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN (PG)
29 July 2007
Wonderfully lurid melodrama about a woman’s inner strength twisted by her yen for her father and the incomprehension of those around her. PG, USA 1945. Di: John Stahl. Sc: Jo Swerling. Leads: Gene Tierney, Cornel Wilde, Vincent Price, Jeanne Crain. Col. 119 mins. Venue: slq Auditorium 2, level 2 Date: 29 Jul, 2pm Entry: Free, no booking required
11. RESPECT A MUSICAL JOURNEY OF WOMEN
31st July 2007
A Children by Choice fundraising event for Tuesday 31st July, 2007 8pm
show (Bookings close 24th July) Starring the fabulous Rhonda Burchmore Ticket Prices Tickets $49.50 (incl GST) or Groups 10 or more $39.50 (incl GST) Pre-paid tickets only. Bookings & money in no later than 24th July, 2007 thanks. Venue Details At The Twelfth Night Theatre, 4 Cintra Road, Bowen Hills Bookings and enquiries Phone (07) 3357 9933 (option 2) or info@childrenbychoice.org.au. www.childrenbychoice.org.au.
www.respectthemusical.com
12. THE BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
2 to 12 August 2007 -
It doesn't matter what you're into, the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) has something for everyone. BIFF provides a focus for film culture in Queensland by showcasing the best and most interesting cinema from around the world. Each year BIFF draws film enthusiasts to view an entertaining mix of local and international films, retrospectives and colourful events that embrace the vibrant art of filmmaking
http://www.biff.com.au/general/content.aspx?code=134
13. BRISSC PRINTING WORKSHOP 1 – DESIGN & PRINT ENVIRO BAGS
4TH August
In this series of workshops we invite women to use a variety of printing techniques to create images & designs, to promote their own messages about violence against women & children in our community. each workshop will focus on a different set of printing techniques & skills, so come to 1 or come to all. Venue:Women’s House, 15 Morrissey St, Woolloongabba childcare provided -let us know upon registration if you require childcare. all workshops and materials are free. call Sara at Brisbane Rape & Incest Survivors Support Centre on 07 3391 -2573 for workshop enquiries & registration. Workshop 1 design & print enviro bags Nancy will introduce screen-printing techniques time: 10 am to 1pm date: 4th August 2007
14. INTRODUCING…HIV/AIDS
8 August 2007
In 1987 the cowled figure of the Grim Reaper appeared on Australian television screens warning of the growing threat of AIDS. Considered the country’s most effective public health advertisement, it was accompanied by bold initiatives to combat the spread of the disease as well as the discrimination and moral panic that surrounded it. Access to condoms, sex education, needle exchanges, strong anti-discrimination laws and the distribution of frank information have all contributed to low per capita rates of infection. Twenty years later, the architect of the landmark campaign is warning of a second stage to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and one which threatens to destabilise the Asia-Pacific region. Join Bill Bowtell as he revisits Australia’s successes in containing HIV/AIDS and introduces the idea of a renewed threat on our doorstep, discussing themes from his essay in Griffith REVIEW 17: Staying Alive. Bill Bowtell is the Director of the Lowy Institute of International Policy’s HIV/AIDS Project. As a senior adviser to the federal health minister, he played a significant role in the introduction of the Medicare health insurance system and was the architect of Australia’s well regarded response to HIV/AIDS. Between 1994-1996 he was senior political adviser to Prime Minister Paul Keating. Venue: slq Auditorium 1, level 2 Date: Wed 8 Aug, 6.30pm-7.30pm Entry: Free, bookings qtix 136 246
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/events/talks
15. RECLAIM THE NIGHT MEETINGS
22 August
No experience necessary. Just bring yourself. Tell other women you know about it if you want share your ideas or just listen to other women's ideas if you don't want to share. Some stuff we may talk about: Reclaim the Night-what's it all about... Designs for a poster publicity ideas themes /demands/purpose/goals of RTN Workshops/events leading up to event Workshops at event? Entertainment ideas Campaigning ideas Activist ideas ANYTHING else you wud like to talk about Meeting starts 6pm Wednesday 13th June at Trades and Labour Council Building (TLC), Level 216 Peel Street South Brisbane (train tracks on right) There is parking around the back of the building and there is the Cultural Centre Bus Way stop a block away along with South Brisbane Train Station. I’m happy to offer lifts to public transport hot spots and West End if needed after the meeting. Next Meeting 22nd August 6pm Give Heidi a call on 3391 2573 or email if you need any more info.
16. MARKED WOMAN (U15)
12 August 2007
A gangster melodrama ripped from the headlines at the time of the sensational trial of Lucky Luciano in 1936. It has a special place in the genre for its focus on the women, not as molls or femme fatales, but as unsung heroines in a cruel world. USA 1937. Di; Lloyd Bacon. Sc: Robert Rossen, Abem Finkel. Leads: Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Eduardo Ciannelli. B&w. 98 mins. Venue: slq Auditorium 2, level 2 Date: 12 Aug, 2pm Entry: Free, no booking required
http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/events/films
17. BRISSC PRINTING WORKSHOP 2 – LINO CUTS ON TEXTILES
18TH August
In this series of workshops we invite women to use a variety of printing techniques to create images & designs, to promote their own messages about violence against women & children in our community. each workshop will focus on a different set of printing techniques & skills, so come to 1 or come to all. Venue: Women’s House, 15 Morrissey St, Woolloongabba childcare provided -let us know upon registration if you require childcare. all workshops and materials are free. call Sara at Brisbane Rape & Incest Survivors Support Centre on 07 3391 -2573 for workshop enquiries & registration. Workshop 2 lino cuts on textiles Nancy will introduce lino cut techniques on textiles time: 1pm to 4pm date: 18th August 2007
A CELEBRATION OF WOMANHOOD,
25th August
City Hall, Brisbane To provide choices that enable women to live more healthy, sustainable lives and achieve a greater state of wellbeing for self, community and our planet. More information soon
18. BRISSC PRINTING WORKSHOP 3 & 4 – BANNER MAKING AND SILK PAINTING
1st and 15th of September
In this series of workshops we invite women to use a variety of printing techniques to create images & designs, to promote their own messages about violence against women & children in our community. each workshop will focus on a different set of printing techniques & skills, so come to 1 or come to all. Venue: Women’s House, 15 Morrissey St, Woolloongabba childcare provided -let us know upon registration if you require childcare. all workshops and materials are free. call Sara at Brisbane Rape & Incest Survivors Support Centre on 07 3391 -2573 for workshop enquiries & registration. Workshop 3 & 4 banner-making & silk-painting these workshops will focus on the creation of printed silk banners for this year’s Reclaim the Night March time: 10 am to 1pm dates: Sat 1st & 15th Sept 2007
19. EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND EVERYTHING... THE TRIPLE LAYERS OF A WOMAN'S LIFE
26-29 September 2007
This conference explores some of the issues that affect the lives of women globally and aims to provide women with networking opportunities, information, collaboration and sharing of resources both locally, nationally and internationally.
Web: www.usq.edu.au/iwc2007
20. BRISSC PRINTING WORKSHOP 5 & 6 – PHOTO PRINTING ON TSHIRTS
29th of September and 13th October
In this series of workshops we invite women to use a variety of printing techniques to create images & designs, to promote their own messages about violence against women & children in our community. each workshop will focus on a different set of printing techniques & skills, so come to 1 or come to all. Venue: Women’s House, 15 Morrissey St, Woolloongabba childcare provided -let us know upon registration if you require childcare. all workshops and materials are free. call Sara at Brisbane Rape & Incest Survivors Support Centre on 07 3391 -2573 for workshop enquiries & registration. Workshop 5 & 6 photo-printing on t-shirts these workshops we will introduce photo-printing techniques Time: 1pm to 4pm dates: Sat 29th Sept & 13th Oct 2007
21. CXC FUNDRAISER: RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S "CAROUSEL"
28th October
CbyC has a limited number of tickets available for Sunday 28th October, 2007 2pm matinee. Bookings will close 21st October With all the favourites: You'll Never Walk Alone, June is Bustin Out All Over & If I Loved You Ticket Prices Tickets $49.50 (incl GST) or Groups 10 or more $39.50 (incl GST) Pre-paid tickets only. Bookings & money in no later than 21st October, 2007 thanks. Venue Details At The Twelfth Night Theatre, 4 Cintra Road, Bowen Hills Bookings and enquiries Phone (07) 3357 9933 (option 2) or info@childrenbychoice.org.au.
www.childrenbychoice.org.au.
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CAMPAIGNS AND ARTICLES
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50/50 Campaign for WAF
Children by Choice Association Inc. is seeking 50 CbyC supporters to support them with their fundraising efforts in pledging $50 for their Women's Access Fund to assist financially disadvantaged women to access termination of pregnancy services. Donations of more then $50 are most welcome and any support in helping them raise awareness of the 50/50 Campaign for WAF would be greatly appreciated. For further information and donation forms please contact them on 07 3357 9933 or
info@childrenbychoice.org.au.
Charge of the Band-Aid Brigade
Issue 132 - 28 Jun 2007
There have been millions of words written in mainstream media in the past fortnight about the 316-page Little Children Are Sacred report into child sexual abuse in the Northern Territory. Precious few have actually quoted from the report. Even fewer have reported its core findings.
http://www.nit.com.au/News/story.aspx?id=11797
Some Very Good News About Cervical Cancer
The Australian Government is providing free cervical cancer vaccines (Gardasil) to females aged 12-26 years, from mid-July 2007 to 30 June 2009. To qualify, you will need to be aged between 12 and 26 and you must finish the 3 doses of vaccinations before reaching the age of 27. The program involves 3 vaccinations in a 6 month period. However, you can shorten the course to 4 months. Therefore, you can start the vaccines now and still be able to get one or two doses free from the government before you reach 27 years old.
http://www.brisbanecity6day.com.au/cervicalcancer.aspx
Brisbane Researchers Tackle Cervical Cancer In Vanuatu
Cervical cancer is a major problem in Vanuatu and other developing nations but lack of funding prevents women from having routine PAP smears. Wesley Research Institute researchers, led by Chief Investigators Dr Margaret McAdam and Dr Scott Kitchener, are studying a rapid, low cost method of detection of cervical cancer in women from the island nation. This method is called VIA/VILI. "Women in whom cervical cancer is detected are offered immediate treatment and as a result many women have already had their lives saved," Dr McAdam said.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=74233
One-sex party what women want
June 28, 2007 12:04pm
A NEW political party has been launched just for women - and its NSW founder pledges to inject more "reality" into federal politics. The idea of a single-sex party has already attracted controversy - with critics claiming it is sexist. Launching the What Women Want Australia party in Brisbane today, Justine Caines said women needed better representation and were sick of being paid lip service on key issues.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21982435-5001021,00.html
Mission Statement:
CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education and other life-affirming activities. We reject the Bush administration's fear-based politics that justify violence, and instead calls for policies based on compassion, kindness and a commitment to international law. With an emphasis on joy and humor, CODEPINK women and men seek to activate, amplify and inspire a community of peacemakers through creative campaigns and a commitment to non-violence.
http://www.codepinkalert.org//article.php?list=type&type=3
It's About Time: Women, men, work and family Project
The women, men, work and family project was launched by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward in 2005. It examines the relationship between family responsibilities and paid work.
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/sex_discrimination/its_about_time/
Think Girl Project
Think Girl is a non-profit organization dedicated to informing and empowering women through the website and community programs. Researchers have found that only 2.7 percent of sampled news stories focused on women on weekdays and 3 percent focused on women on Sunday. With the website we hope to help girls and women understand feminism’s past, present and encourage them to contribute to it’s future.
http://thinkgirl.net/?page_id=2
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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Call for safe abortion in Africa
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=75567
Leaders of 10 African countries, including Kenyan Vice President Moody Awori, on Tuesday during a conference in Nairobi, Kenya, called for the legalization of safe abortion procedures to curb maternal mortality, Kenya's Daily Nation reports. A protocol on women's rights in Africa that authorizes safe abortions in cases of rape, incest, and when continued pregnancy endangers the life or health of the pregnant woman or fetus has been ratified by 21 countries on the continent. Kenya and Uganda have signed but not ratified the protocol, while Botswana, Central Africa Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, Sao Tome and Principe, Sudan and Tunisia have neither signed nor ratified it. (07/02/07)
Iran defies West on women rights
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=7/4/2007&Cat=5&Num=1
Majlis Speaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel said now the Iranian women are presenting a new model of lifestyle to the world. “Today, the Islamic world, especially the Iranian society, has gained its independence and the Iranian woman has presented a new example to the world through her lifestyle,” Haddad-Adel told a national seminar arranged on the eve of the birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Mohammad. (07/04/07)
Vigilantes target Iraq porn surfers
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/C93F2AF9-348F-4100-8193-C176A2DDEE20.htm
The Iraqi Aid Association (IAA), a Baghdad-based non-governmental organisation working with displacement, children and youth issues, says dozens of Iraqis have been killed after using the internet to access erotic sites. Fatah Ahmed, spokesperson for the IAA, said: "We have received information from many sources that militants are operating spies inside internet cafes just to find out who is browsing sites they have deemed offensive to Islam. (06/29/07)
Aussie all-women party
http://www.news.com.au/sundaytelegraph/story/0,,21982435-5006009,00.html
Launching the What Women Want Australia party in Brisbane today, Justine Caines said women needed better representation and were sick of being paid lip service on key issues. These included paid maternity leave, post-natal services, access to child care, education and the environment. The idea of a single-sex party has already attracted controversy - with critics claiming it is sexist. (06/28/07)
Israel, 1000s rally against Katsav plea bargain
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0%2C7340%2CL-3419316%2C00.html
At least 20,000 men and women arrived at Tel Aviv's Rabin Square on Saturday evening to protest the plea bargain signed between resigning President Moshe Katsav and Attorney General Menachem Mazuz through which rape charges against Katsav were dropped. Some of the demonstrators carried signs reading "Katsav to jail", "There is no light rape" and "a sex offender ruling the country." Some called on Mazuz to resign. (06/30/07)
Egypt bans female circumcision
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19510447
The death of a 12-year-old Egyptian girl at the hands of a doctor performing female circumcision has sparked a public outcry and prompted health and religious authorities to ban the practice. A forensic inquiry into the case showed the girl’s death was caused by an anesthesia overdose. The case sparked widespread condemnation of female circumcision, or genital mutilation, and was closely followed in Egyptian newspapers, which also reported the girl had passed out sweets to pupils in her class earlier on the day of her death, to celebrate her good grades. (06/29/07)
US, aid to foreign abortion groups okayed
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN28278864
A Senate committee on Thursday joined the House of Representatives in defying a White House veto threat and moving to reverse a ban on contraception aid to overseas groups that offer abortion. The Senate Appropriations Committee included the proposal in a $34.24 billion foreign aid bill that also places new emphasis on fighting diseases such as HIV/AIDS. The measure now goes to the Senate floor. Republicans on the panel warned that President George W. Bush would send back to Congress any measure that allowed assistance to organizations that offer abortions. (06/28/07)
Portugal loosens abortion law
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-06/22/content_6278763.htm
Portugal introduced a new law Thursday that allows abortion up to the 10th week of pregnancy following consultation with a doctor and a three-day reflection period. Doctors are granted the right to opt out of the procedure on moral grounds. Parliament voted overwhelmingly in March to trash previous tight restrictions on abortion to bring Portugal more in line with most of its European neighbors. The Health Ministry has spent months drawing up medical guidelines annexed to the law. Under the law, which goes into effect July 15, women seeking an abortion will meet first with doctors who are to warn them of possible dangers. After a three-day reflection period, women can obtain an abortion free at a public hospital or go to a licensed private clinic. (06/22/07)
Babes in Oy Land scuffle
http://www.nypost.com/seven/06192007/news/regionalnews/babes_in_oy_land_scuffle_regionalnews_andy_soltis.htm/
Israeli female legislators are baring their anger over what they call a "pornographic" tourism campaign - featuring a bikini-clad Israeli beauty queen. The racy photo of 2004 Miss Israel winner Gal Gadot appears on formal invitations to an event hosted in New York tonight by the Israeli Consulate in conjunction with Maxim magazine. The affair is to "celebrate" the magazine's "Women of the Israeli Defense Forces" article in the July issue. But prominent Israeli women say using sex to market the Land of Milk and Honey is "an outrage." (06/19/07)
India, 1st female President?
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-India-President.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Pratibha Patil, the governor of northwestern state of Rajashtan, was nominated by the Congress party and its allies for next month's presidential elections, said Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Parliament and state legislatures choose the president, and the ruling coalition has enough votes to get its candidate elected. The post is largely ceremonial, though the president is the supreme commander of the armed forces and has the power to declare a state of emergency in times of political crisis. (06/15/07)
High-profile Afghan women threatened
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/06/17/1953474.htm?section=world
"Women who go to work every day in Afghanistan are heroines," journalist Friba Chalkhi Habib said. She knows what she is talking about: the 30-year-old is regularly threatened or insulted, like many Afghan women in high-profile jobs. The recent murders of two women journalists have underlined the dangers faced by women like Ms Habib, Afghanistan's first female political talk-show host. (06/17/07)
UK, 'divorce' rights for lovers who split up
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=461181&in_page_id=1770
Couples who split up may be forced to pay compensation to each other under plans for new laws. They will give anyone who has been in an 'intimate relationship' the opportunity to sue for money or a share of a house when the relationship ends. The radical scheme drawn up by Government legal advisers will contain no safeguards to protect individuals from legal action by a gold-digging former partner even if their relationship was a short one. (06/11/07)
Iran moves to execute porn stars
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/06/13/iran.porn.ap/
With a 148-5 vote in favor and four abstentions, lawmakers present at the Wednesday session of the 290-seat parliament approved that "producers of pornographic works and main elements in their production are considered corrupter of the world and could be sentenced to punishment as corrupter of the world." The term, "corrupter of the world" is taken from the Quran, the Muslims' holy book, and ranks among the highest on the scale of an individual's criminal offenses. Under Iran's Islamic Penal Code, it carries a death penalty. (06/13/07)
Mexico City considers legal prostitution
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/138866.html
The leftist party that has already legalized gay unions and abortion in Mexico City said Wednesday it wants to make prostitution legal in the capital of this overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country. Mexico City legislator Juan Bustos of the Democratic Revolution Party, who submitted the bill on Tuesday, said the move is necessary to protect prostitutes from abuse and regulate the sex industry. Corrupt police frequently use the current law not to arrest sex workers but as a threat to shake them down for bribes or sexual favors. [Ed.: the same thing occurs with American police.] (06/13/07)
Iran, women's rights activists released
http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGMDE130732007
Amnesty International welcomes the news that Ehteram Shadfar and another woman, detained on 10 June, were released under personal guarantee on 11 June 2007. Ehteram Shadfar told the Iranian Students’ News Agency after her release that she had been questioned about her activities in gathering signatures for the “Campaign for Equality” (which aims to collect a million signatures of Iranians to a petition demanding an end to legalised discrimination against women in Iran) and that a case is being prepared against her. (06/12/07)
'Honor-killing' father guilty of murder
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19176808/
Banaz Mahmod, 20, was strangled with a boot lace, stuffed into a suitcase and buried in a back garden. Her death is the latest in an increasing trend of such killings in Britain, home to some 1.8 million Muslims. More than 100 homicides are under investigation as potential “honor killings.” Mahmod Mahmod, 52, [her father] and his brother Ari Mahmod, 51, planned the killing during a family meeting, prosecutors told the court. Two others have pleaded guilty in the case. Two more suspects have fled the country. Sentencing is expected later this month. (06/11/07)
South Africa, incentives to lie about rape
http://www.theherald.co.za/herald/news/n11_11062007.htm
Desperate women who fear they might be HIV-positive are allegedly laying false rape complaints with police to jump the queue for anti-retroviral drugs to prevent infection. Port Elizabeth police say the increase in rape cases over the last year had been “incredible”, but the complainants seemed to disappear as soon as they were treated with post-exposure ARV drugs (06/11/07)
Men help DV victims
http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/newsbyid.asp?id=67031
According to the poll, 56 percent of men -- and 60 percent of those age 18 to 34 -- have reason to believe a member of their immediate or extended family, a close friend or acquaintance has been in a domestic violence or sexual assault situation. More than half (57 percent) think they can personally make at least some difference in preventing violence, and 73 percent think they can make at least some difference in promoting healthy, respectful, non-violent relationships. And, the poll finds, men are taking action. Two in three fathers (68 percent) have talked to their sons about the importance of healthy, violence-free relationships, and 63 percent have talked to their daughters. Fifty-five percent of the men surveyed have talked to other boys who are not their sons. (06/07/07)
India, less HIV than thought
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/ZNYT03/706080353/-1/SPORTS0702
The survey was carried out under international supervision with American financing. If it is correct, India is no longer the world’s supposed leader — with 5.7 million people infected with the virus, according to the official United Nations 2006 estimate — but is again behind South Africa, which is believed to have more accurate survey results and has an estimated 5.5 million cases, and possibly other countries as well. Early analysis of the figures suggests that India really has between two and three million victims. (06/08/07)
UK, growing problem of FGM
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/07/10/britain.female.circumcision.ap/index.html?eref=rss_mostpopular
Female genital mutilation, commonly associated with parts of Africa and the Middle East, is becoming a growing problem in Britain despite authorities' efforts to stamp it out. The Metropolitan Police, Britain's largest police force, hopes a campaign beginning Wednesday will highlight that the practice is a crime here. To make their point, police are offering a 20,000-pound (euro29,500; US$40,000) reward for information leading to Britain's first prosecution for female genital mutilation, Detective Chief Superintendent Alastair Jeffrey said. In Britain, the problem mostly involves first-generation immigrants from Africa and the Middle East. (07/10/07)
Muslim women build intern'l network
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/3233
An organized leadership push by Muslim women for Muslim women is taking place, quietly but purposefully. So far it has a name--the Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equity, or WISE--one landmark meeting in November 2006, a major internatiional gathering planned for late 2007, a few declared objectives, plenty of questions and, for one founder, an overriding reason for being. "It's embarrassing when the problems of Muslim women are debated in the press without any participation by Muslim women themselves," says Daisy Khan, who spearheaded the group's groundbreaking conference last year in New York. "It's embarrassing for them, and it's embarrassing for us." (07/06/07)
Iranian feminist sentenced
http://www.msmagazine.com/news/uswirestory.asp?ID=10404
An Iranian women's rights activist was sentenced on Monday to 10 lashes and nearly three years in prison for her participation in a 2006 protest at Tehran Square. Delaram Ali, 24, along with nearly 70 others, was detained for several days after being arrested for protesting Iran’s discriminatory laws against women. Among other demands, the women called for divorce reform, equal inheritance laws, and the equal treatment of women’s testimonies in the eyes of the court in Iran. (07/06/07)
China, city eases 1-child policy
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-07/05/content_910262.htm
Single-child families here in the capital of Guangdong Province are being encouraged to have a second child, in a move seen as a relaxation of the country's "one child" policy. The Guangzhou commission of population development and family planning said it was seeking ways to tackle the problems caused by the city's aging population. By 2010, Guangzhou will be home to more than 1 million people aged 60 or over, the commission has estimated. But its homes for the elderly will be able to accommodate only 40,000. There are currently some 945,000 people aged 60 and above, accounting for almost 13 percent of Guangzhou's total population. (07/06/07)
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BFO is a not for profit project supporting feminist activities and actions in Brisbane. Thanks to ifeminists and weekly feminist news digest for the international news and to local women’s groups for the local news. Editor: Kitty has a passion for feminism and community building and combines her two loves in this newsletter. You can contact her on 0409 548 892 if you need to speak to her. Assist Editor and Feature Writer: Andrea is an economist with the State Government when she isn’t motor biking, photographing or doing some other exciting thing.
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