Around The World In 5
Around the World in 5 is an ongoing series that highlights news related to women in five countries, updated every week. This week's post covers March 10 — March 17.
Denmark
Denmark is set to expand conscription to include both women and men in response to the evolving security landscape in Europe. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the updated policy aimed at bolstering the participation of young individuals in military service. Additionally, conscripts will now serve a longer duration of 11 months, up from the current four months.
Canada
Canada's Supreme Court faced ridicule following a ruling that deemed referring to a female sexual assault victim as a "woman" confusing, instead suggesting the term "person with a vagina." This decision marks the first instance of such terminology in the country's judicial rulings, sparking criticism for obfuscating language regarding sexual assaults.
The move has been condemned as contributing to the "erasure of the violence that men are committing against women," according to Canada's oldest rape shelter, as reported by The Telegraph.
Iran
Sedigheh Vasmaghi, a prominent Iranian religious scholar and political activist, was reportedly arrested by plainclothes security agents, according to her husband, Mohammad Ebrahimzadeh, on March 16. The arrest occurred at her home, where four agents, including three men and a woman, claimed to have a court order.
They confiscated her laptop, medications, and cane. Vasmaghi, who has previously been summoned by authorities, is known for her outspoken criticism of the clerical establishment and the mandatory hijab policy.
United States of America
According to a Glassdoor survey, two-thirds of female professionals believe their salaries are unjust, with women earning 20% less than men at every education level for comparable positions. Released on Equal Pay Day, the study aims to spotlight the gender pay gap, symbolizing how long women must work into the year to match men's previous year's earnings. Nationally, women earned 82 cents for every dollar men earned in 2022, only a two-cent increase over the past two decades, based on Pew Research Center data.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has emerged as the new women’s cricket champions of the continent, clinching victory over neighboring South Africa in an intense final match at the Africa Games in Ghana.
The thrilling showdown was settled by a 'super over' after both teams scored 112 runs in their respective 20 overs. Ultimately, Zimbabwe's Lady Chevrons delivered the decisive blow, securing the gold medal and relegating South Africa's Proteas Women to silver.