Progress in Yemen, Zimbabwe
A Western-educated Yemeni woman said she would break a law against women in politics by forming a party dedicated to gender equality.
GulfNews.com reports that Sumaya Ali Raja, who was invited to deliver her message to a traditionally all-male council, got a mixed reception from conservatives, but was welcomed by the Socialist Party and others.
Legislators in Zimbabwe finally passed a bill protecting women from domestic abuse … ten years after it was introduced. Activists say that one in four women there are victims of abuse, and linked domestic violence with high rates of murder and HIV infection.
Sources:
“‘Good omen’ for Yemeni women”
Gulfnews.com (UAE), January 13, 2007
“Zimbabwe: New law hope for abused women”
Integrated Regional Information Networks (U.N.), January 11, 2007