Woman. Life. Freedom: Honoring the activism of Iranian women and girls Equality Now 2022-11-15 | The struggle for gender equality in Iran has been ongoing for decades. For generations, women and girls have come together to protest laws that have rendered them second-class citizens. In this fight, they have been joined by men and boys who recognize that women’s equality is crucial to freedom in any society.At Equality Now, our goal is to deliver a just world for women and girls through legal equality. That women and girls enjoy the same rights as men and boys. At our 30th Anniversary Gala, Equality Now was humbled and delighted to recognize the activism of the women and girls of Iran with the 5th annual Changemaker Award presented by Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE. Share this video to show that you too are proud to stand with the women and girls of #Iran.WATCH IN FARSI: youtu.be/cNdO86QGewk Produced byPostScript Creative @postscriptcreativeDo Great Projects @dogreatprojects Written by Bex Schwartz @starbex
Why we need the Equal Rights Amendment Equality Now 2023-06-01 | Every day that the United States fails to enshrine constitutional equality, marginalized groups face increased violence and discrimination. Sexual exploitation, harmful practices, and systemic inequalities violate their human rights and prevent them from reaching their potential. Stand with us against legal inequality you've shown that you, like us, believe in a just world for everyone. Support the #ERANow. Learn more at equalitynow.org/era
The Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law Equality Now 2023-05-16 | The Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law (GCEFL) was launched in March 2020 with the overarching goal of pursuing equality for women and girls and other marginalised groups under law, policy, and practice in matters relating to the family in all its diverse forms, regardless of religion and culture. It is led by a Coordinating Committee of eight leading women’s rights, human rights and faith-based organisations – Equality Now – where the Secretariat of GCEFL is currently based, Act Church of Sweden, Latin American and Caribbean Committee for the Defense of Women’s Rights (CLADEM), Musawah, Muslims for Progressive Values, Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) represented by the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), Women’s Learning Partnership, and UN Women.
Tenacity to Win: 3 years since the end of the education ban for pregnant schoolgirls in Sierra Leone Equality Now 2023-04-12 | Three years ago, President Julius Maada Bio announced that the Government of Sierra Leone had lifted the ban prohibiting pregnant schoolgirls from attending school. The decision followed a judgment issued on December 12, 2019, by the ECOWAS Court, in a case brought by Equality Now together with Women Against Violence and Exploitation (WAVES) and Child Welfare Society (CWS) and in collaboration with the Institute for Human Rights and Development (IHRDA).Following the judgment, we worked with partners locally engaging with key government actors to explain the court decision and ensure it translated into action, including a commitment to address the root causes of teenage pregnancy in Sierra Leone.Watch Equality Now and our partner’s long journey to help lift the ban in Sierra Leone so that girls can enjoy their right to education and freedom from sexual violence.Learn more: bit.ly/41hMuuw
Hybrid Event: Paving Pathways to Justice for Adolescent Sexual Violence Survivors in the Americas Equality Now 2023-02-20 | This event is in partnership with the George Washington Law School in DC. It is a conversation with Brisa de Angulo and her lawyers about the recent ruling of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in her case against Bolivia.
Ending Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Equality Now 2023-02-07 | Online sexual exploitation and abuse is pervasive, multi-layered, and complex. It is far-reaching, and its impact on a victim’s life can be long-lasting. And even though online sexual abuse and exploitation see no age, gender, race, or nationality, it invariably affects women and children because of their pronounced vulnerability by virtue of entrenched sex- and gender-based discrimination and inequality.The vast, unrestricted, borderless internet is a safe haven for countless sexual abusers, who continue to manipulate and harm their victims without fearing repercussions. There is a dire need for the implementation of strict national and international laws and standards and cooperation and collaboration between a range of stakeholders to hold perpetrators accountable.As part of our global campaign to end online sexual exploitation and abuse, we’ve produced this explainer video that defines the problem, the reasons behind its unimpeded rise, and the need for ways in which individuals and nations across the globe can collaborate to bring perpetrators to justice. We’re calling for comprehensive action from the international community, governments, and digital service providers to holistically address OSEA. Learn more: equalitynow.org/oseaAnimation by Sian Butcher www.sianemma.com
Woman. Life. Freedom: Honoring the activism of Iranian women and girls - Farsi version Equality Now 2023-02-06 | The struggle for gender equality in Iran has been ongoing for decades. For generations, women and girls have come together to protest laws that have rendered them second-class citizens. In this fight, they have been joined by men and boys who recognize that women’s equality is crucial to freedom in any society.At Equality Now, our goal is to deliver a just world for women and girls through legal equality. That women and girls enjoy the same rights as men and boys. At our 30th Anniversary Gala, Equality Now was humbled and delighted to recognize the activism of the women and girls of Iran with the 5th annual Changemaker Award presented by Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE. Share this video to show that you too are proud to stand with the women and girls of #Iran.WATCH IN ENGLISH: youtu.be/AHM-Abu762YLearn more: equalitynow.org/news_and_insights/women-life-freedom-a-statement-of-solidarity-with-women-in-iran Produced byPostScript Creative @postscriptcreativeDo Great Projects @dogreatprojects Written by Bex Schwartz @starbex
Final Round, African Gender Equality Moot Court Competition. Equality Now 2023-01-18 | The Africa Gender Equality Moot Court Competition (AGEMCC) is the only moot court competition in Africa dedicated to the promotion and protection of the rights of women in Africa. Organized by Equality Now, Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR), and Strathmore Law School (SLS).This year’s theme is Women’s Economic and Political Rights in the Digital Space. The moot court question and the hypothetical case (“the competition question”) are drawn from this theme, offering the depth and breadth to engage as many innovative approaches on the question of enforcement of the Maputo Protocol as possible.
Tour final, Concour de Plaidoirie sur lÉgalité des Sexes en Afrique Equality Now 2023-01-18 | Le concours Africa Gender Equality Moot Court Competition (AGEMCC) est le seul concours de plaidoirie en Afrique dédié à la promotion et à la protection des droits des femmes en Afrique. Organisé par Equality Now, Solidarité pour les droits des femmes africaines (SOAWR) et Strathmore Law School (SLS).Le thème de cette année est Les droits économiques et politiques des femmes dans l'espace numérique. La question du tribunal fictif et le cas hypothétique ("la question de la concurrence") sont tirés de ce thème, offrant la profondeur et l'ampleur nécessaires pour engager autant d'approches innovantes sur la question de l'application du Protocole de Maputo que possible.
Moot Court Competition Final Rounds Equality Now 2023-01-18 | The Africa Gender Equality Moot Court Competition (AGEMCC) is the only moot court competition in Africa dedicated to the promotion and protection of the rights of women in Africa. Organized by Equality Now, Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR), and Strathmore Law School (SLS).This year’s theme is Women’s Economic and Political Rights in the Digital Space. The moot court question and the hypothetical case (“the competition question”) are drawn from this theme, offering the depth and breadth to engage as many innovative approaches on the question of enforcement of the Maputo Protocol as possible.
The Unspoken: Prevention and Response to Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) in Kenya. Equality Now 2023-01-11 | Every year, over 400 million children around the world are exposed to Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA). In Kenya, where many cases of CSEA go unreported, and there is no single national database for recording cases, it is not possible to quantify the scale of the problem. However, evidence shows that CSEA is becoming increasingly common across the country. Equality Now in partnership with Trace Kenya produced a video highlighting the status of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Kenya, what needs to be done to prevent and respond and the change that we hope to achieve. The video features thoughts from our partners and other civil society organizations working to end sexual exploitation in Kenya and across the region.
Celebrating Equality Nows 30 for 30 Equality Now 2022-11-22 | “I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our 30th anniversary than through this diverse group of women and changemakers who have, in different ways, inspired us and worked with us to move the dial for women’s and girls’ equality. Like our work, this list is global and represents women and changemakers with differing backgrounds—from lawyers and judges to activists, artists, and storytellers—each of whom has played a significant role in the ecosystem of change.” - Yasmeen Hassan, Global Executive Director, Equality Now Equality Now’s 30 for 30 includes:Alanis Morissette, Amandla Stenberg, Amy Ziering, Annie Lennox, Asma Jahangir (posthumously), Ayesha Malik, Brisa De Angulo, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Drew Dixon, Elizabeth Evatt, Gloria Steinem, Hibaaq Osman, Jaha Dukureh, Jane Fonda, Judith Bruce, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Linda Perry, Margaret Atwood, Meaza Ashenafi, Nadeen Ashraf, Paola Mendoza, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (posthumously), Salma Hayek, Sanna Marin, Sapana Pradhan Malla, Sarah Sophie Flicker, Scarlett Curtis, Shantel Marekera, Sue Smalley, Susan Chokachi, Wilma Mankiller (posthumously), & Zainah Anwar.Learn more at equalitynow.org/30-for-30
WEBINAR: Ending Trafficking For Sexual Exploitation: Lessons From Survivors And Activist Movements Equality Now 2022-11-03 | A meeting hosted by Equality Now, OSCE/ODIHR, Apne Aap, and eLiberare that will bring together speakers to discuss emerging trends, highlight survivors' and activists’ mobilising and advocacy, make recommendations to governments and international bodies on addressing the gaps in protecting people vulnerable to sex trafficking and bringing perpetrators to account, and contribute to effectively implementing the UN Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and its Palermo Protocol.
International Day of the Girl 2022: Family Laws and Discrimination Equality Now 2022-10-14 | Marking the 10th anniversary of International Day of the Girl, Campaign Manager of the Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law Hyshyama Hamin and Senior Legal Advisor Esther Waweru from Equality Now led a vital discussion on family law. Esther and Hyshyama touched upon the discriminatory role of family law in regions across the world, its progress over the past three decades, the challenges it poses today, and the way forward.
International Day of the Girl 2022: Child Marriage in the United States and Tanzania Equality Now 2022-10-11 | Setting the minimum age of marriage at 18, no exceptions, is the keystone of ending child marriage. Yet many countries, including the United States, do not have laws that protect girls from this human rights violation. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl Child, Equality Now's Jean Paul Murunga joins Fraidy Reiss, founder of Unchained at Last, to discuss progress in the global efforts to end child marriage over the past decade and the challenges that lie ahead.
SDGs & international law: opportunities&gaps to protect rights of women & girls in the digital space Equality Now 2022-07-15 | Equality Now and Women Leading in AI are campaigning for universal digital rights that are applicable in the digital sphere, and ensure the protection of all rights, particularly where there are gaps in the protection of international human rights. Watch this virtual side event, sponsored by the Government of Australia, at the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF), to hear perspectives on universal digital rights with experts drawn from governments, the UN, and civil society discussing the opportunities presented by the SDGs and international law such as CEDAW to secure the rights of women and girls in the digital space. The discussion will also consider any gaps in protection, and how commitment to universal digital rights may help to address the gaps and contribute to achieving the SDGs.
The SDGs and international law: Protecting the rights of women and girls in the digital space Equality Now 2022-07-06 | Equality Now and Women Leading in AI are campaigning for universal digital rights that are applicable in the digital sphere, and ensure the protection of all rights, particularly where there are gaps in the protection of international human rights.Join this virtual side event, sponsored by the Government of Australia, at the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF), to hear perspectives on universal digital rights with experts drawn from governments, the UN, and civil society discussing the opportunities presented by the SDGs and international law such as CEDAW to secure the rights of women and girls in the digital space. The discussion will also consider any gaps in protection, and how commitment to universal digital rights may help to address the gaps and contribute to achieving the SDGs.Opening RemarksMs. Li Andersson, Minister of Education, Government of FinlandPanelistsMs. Shilpa Pullela, Acting Deputy Permanent Representative, Australian Mission to the UN in New YorkMs. Dalia Leinarte, CEDAW Committee MemberMs. Ivana Bartoletti, Author and co-founder of Women Leading in AIMs. Tsitsi Matekaire, Global Lead, End Sexual Exploitation, Equality NowModeratorMs. Niki Kandirikirira, Global Director of Programs, Equality Now
Young women voices at Equality Nows legal advocacy training in the MENA region Equality Now 2022-05-11 | Equality Now continues to build the capacity of the MENA partners on legal advocacy. 12 young women activists, of various nationalities and backgrounds joined the training sessions in 2021.Eight of these young women activists were enlisted with our partners in Egypt, Tunisia, and Lebanon to support in the implementation of the advocacy campaign targeting Family Laws in their countries.
Expert Panel: The Role of the Paramount Chiefs in ending FGM in Sierra Leone and Liberia Equality Now 2022-04-28 | Exploring the role Paramount Chiefs and their communities play in ending FGM and the practical techniques campaigners have used to bring communities into the movement to end FGM.
Protecting people’s rights in the digital age: a Universal Declaration on Digital Rights Equality Now 2022-04-08 | The rapid expansion of digital technology is bringing profound disruption to our global society. The Internet and digital technology reflect “real life” and structural inequalities, such as racism and misogyny embedded in our laws, politics, and social structures, are being replicated online. Rights and freedoms are infringed, existing discriminations and biases amplified, and online violence and crime perpetrated globally. Simultaneously, online channels have created new opportunities for free expression, organizing, and countering oppression. But, international and national laws and systems have not kept pace with the technological advances and their consequences.A panel of experts discussed why a bold, transformative, and universally agreed feminist Declaration on Digital Rights will ensure that the rights of all people, especially the most vulnerable, are protected in the digital space. Equality Now will invite others to join efforts towards the development and adoption of this Declaration. This webinar was part of the Ecosystems Day on the Skoll World Forum.Moderator: Niki Kandirikirira, Global Director of Programmes, Equality Now.Speakers:- Nnenna Nwakanma, Chief Web Advocate, Web Foundation. - Chenai Chair, Special Advisor on Africa Mradi Innovation at Mozilla Foundation.- Isedua Oribhabor, Business and Human Rights Lead, Access Now.- Tsitsi Matekaire, Equality Now.- Ivana Bartoletti, Author and co-founder of Women Leading in AI.
Human Rights Court To Hear Groundbreaking Case On Sexual Violence In Bolivia Equality Now 2022-03-22 | On March 29th-30th, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) will hear the case Brisa De Angulo Losada v. Bolivia, a groundbreaking case on sexual violence in Bolivia. The case alleges that Bolivia violated the rights of Brisa De Angulo by effectively denying her justice after she was repeatedly raped and tortured by an adult family member in 2002 in Bolivia. This is the first time that the IACtHR will hear a case pertaining to the human rights violations of an adolescent victim of incest.Unlike the majority of cases, Brisa De Angulo’s groundbreaking case is now before the highest court in the region. This case provides the IACtHR with the opportunity to boldly expand and deepen jurisprudence on sexual violence against children and adolescents.Brisa and her legal team are asking the court to mandate Bolivia develop a comprehensive strategy to address sexual violence, especially incest, including changing the rape law to one based on consent, broad prevention measures, and measures to ensure effective administration of justice based on guidelines that reflect international best practices. Her story: http://equalitynow.org/brisa
Ending Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Ways Forward Equality Now 2022-01-12 | Ending online sexual exploitation and abuse is one of the most urgent issues of our time, yet key challenges remain. Today, the scope and scale of internet and digital connectivity, coupled with the intensification of misogyny online, is enabling online sexual harms to occur at unprecedented levels across the world. International and national legal instruments have simply not kept pace. There is also no legally binding framework at the international level that defines the role, responsibility, and accountability of technology platforms. Join Equality Now and the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a discussion with experts from the international community, the tech industry, governments, and organizations working with survivors as we look at what needs to change and explore a way forward together.
Donors, we couldnt do it without you! Equality Now 2021-12-22 | Thank you to our donors who invested in the rights of women & girls this year! You are transforming the lives of women & girls. equalitynow.org
Looking back at 2021: what we’ve achieved together this year! Equality Now 2021-12-21 | 2021 has been a year to remember. The tenacity and heart of the Equality Now family is something we can all be proud of. Here are just a few highlights of what we’ve achieved together this year!To everyone that has watched, clicked, liked, marched, discussed, deliberated, accommodated, donated, advocated, legislated... You are transforming the lives of women & girls!
Failure to Protect: Discriminatory Sexual Violence Laws in the Americas Equality Now 2021-11-09 | Join us for an expert panel discussion for the launch of Equality Now's report "Failure to Protect: How Discriminatory Sexual Violence Laws and Practices are Hurting Women, Girls, and Adolescents in the Americas"
Webinar on Caste based Sexual Violence in South Asia - October 2021 Equality Now 2021-10-21 | A year after the Hathras gang rape case, Dalit women from across the globe come together to speak out about sexual violence and to discuss the systemic changes which are required.An event hosted by India's National Council for Women Leaders (NCWL), together with Dalit Human Rights Defenders Network (DHRD-Net), Equality Labs, and Equality Now.Learn more at: https://www.ncwl.org.in/
Diana Kellogg - Equality Nows 2021 Make Equality Reality Gala Equality Now 2021-10-14 | Award-winning architect Diana Kellogg speaks at Equality Now's 2021 Make Equality Reality Gala.
Dr. Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka - Equality Nows 2021 Make Equality Reality Gala Equality Now 2021-10-13 | Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women (2013-2021), delivers remarks as the honoree at the 2021 Make Equality Reality Gala, introduced by Gloria Steinem.
Paul Reiser - Equality Nows 2021 Make Equality Reality Gala Equality Now 2021-10-13 | Paul Reiser speaks at Equality Now's 2021 annual virtual gala.
Shantel Marekera and Jodie Turner-Smith - 2021 Gala Equality Now 2021-10-13 | Actor and activist Jodie Turner-Smith interviews Shantel Marekera for the fourth annual Changemaker Award, presented by Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE.
Tig Notaro - Equality Nows 2021 Make Equality Reality Gala. Equality Now 2021-10-13 | Tig Notaro Performs at the 2021 Make EqualityReality Gala
Jane Fonda - Equality Nows 2021 Make Equality Reality Gala Equality Now 2021-10-13 | Jane Fonda speaks at Equality Now's 2021 annual virtual gala
Melissa McCarthy and Debbie Allen - Equality Nows 2021 Make Equality Reality Gala Equality Now 2021-10-13 | Melissa McCarthy and Debbie Allen perform a reading of Liz Bell's original poem, "How To Raise A Girl" at Equality Now's 2021 annual virtual Make Equality Reality Gala.
2021 Make Equality Reality Virtual Gala Equality Now 2021-10-13 | Equality Now’s 9th annual Make Equality Reality gala aired virtually on October 12, 2021. To support Equality Now’s work, please visit www.equalitynow.org/donate
Jess Glynne performs Ill Be There For You at Equality Nows 2020 Virtual Make Equality Reality Gala Equality Now 2021-10-04 | 2020 was tough, but the solidarity across the world has never felt so strong. We will get through this, together.Whatever you're feeling, take a moment to listen to Jess Glynne perform I'll Be There For You at our 2020 virtual gala. We hope it lifts your spirits, wherever you are.Register for the 2021 Gala at: equalitynow.org/gala_2021_cal
Equality Nows Quarantine Highlights (feat. Heather McMahan) Equality Now 2021-09-17 | We asked our staff from around the world what they'd been up to in quarantine, and somehow Heather McMahan got included in the email. We are so grateful for all of our staff and supporters who stepped up this year, despite the challenges. Together we know we will make equality reality. #Quarantine #QuarantineLife #Quarantine2020 #QuarantineDiaries #Lockdown #Lockdown2020
Your Voice Matters: Ending SGBV in Kenya Equality Now 2021-08-26 | In June 2021, Kenya committed to end gender-based violence by 2026 through 12 bold commitments. But while these commitments are welcome, justice will remain elusive for many women and girls in Kenya if they are not realized.Over 40% of women in Kenya are likely to face physical and or sexual violence in their lifetime and more than 1 in 5 girls face child marriage or Female Genital Mutilation. So together with Capital FM Kenya, we spoke to a few Kenyans about their experiences with sexual and gender-based violence; what ought to be done and this is what they had to say. You can also learn more about why your voice matters here equalitynow.org/yourvoicematters#YourVoiceMatters#Jitokeze#GenerationEquality#ActForEqual
Yasmeen Hassan on Equality in Family Law at Generation Equality Forum Paris 2021 Equality Now 2021-07-09 | Equality Now's Global Executive Director, Yasmeen Hassan, was one of only 100 people invited to speak at the Generation Equality Forum in Paris, in June 2021. She spoke on behalf of the Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law.
Equality Now Global Executive Director, Yasmeen Hassan, Generation Equality Forum, Paris July 2021 Equality Now 2021-07-06 | Equality Now Global Executive Director, Yasmeen Hassan, addresses the Gender Equality Forum as panel member of "Generation Equality Calls for Levelling the Law for Women and Girls" event, about the impact of discriminatory family laws on women and girls and achieving gender equality.
Dr. Dalia Leinarte: The CEDAW Committees General Recommendation on trafficking in women & girls Equality Now 2021-06-17 | Join Chandra Jessee in conversation with Dr. Dalia Leinarte, the Chair of the CEDAW Committee's Working Group on the General Recommendation who led the process of developing the General Recommendation; and Tsitsi Matekaire, Equality Now's Global Lead on Ending Sex Trafficking, as they discuss the CEDAW Committee's new General Recommendation on trafficking in women and girls.
Addressing Online Sexual Exploitation & Abuse: A Call for International Standards Equality Now 2021-03-26 | In this #CSW65 side event, hear from Equality Now and Governments, International Bodies, Civil Society, and Tech speaking to the gendered, technological, and legal aspects of online sexual exploitation and abuse, their perspectives on the key findings and recommendations from Equality Now’s upcoming report, and the efficacy of adopting international standards.
Lessons from Gloria Steinem Equality Now 2021-03-25 | Equality Now is honored to count Gloria Steinem as the chair of our Board Emeritus and we are so grateful for her support of our work since our organization’s beginning. In a clip from 2020's Make Equality Reality Gala, hear from Christine Lahti, Monica Sanchez, Kimberly Guerrero, Alicia Vikander, and director Julie Taymor on the lessons they've taken from the incredible Gloria Steinem.
#BelieveBlackWomen: Honoring the activists and filmmakers of On The Record Equality Now 2021-03-19 | At our 2020 #MakeEqualityReality Gala, we honored the activists and filmmakers of "On the Record".Introduced by Karamo Brown, hear from Kirby Dick, Drew Dixon, Shanita Hubbard, Kierna Mayo, Dr Joan Morgan, Sheri Sher and Amy Ziering about the importance of "On The Record" and believing Black women. Directed and produced by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering (The Hunting Ground, The Invisible War), and first reported by The New York Times, On The Record presents the powerful and haunting story of music executive Drew Dixon (producer of hit records by Method Man and Mary J. Blige, Estelle and Kanye West, and Whitney Houston) as she grapples with her decision, in the wake of #MeToo, to come forward and publicly name hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of sexual assault. The film shines light on the experiences of Black women facing intersecting racism and misogyny. Watch the Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=9bgVmjX86bQ
For every Nasrin: In solidarity with women human rights defenders around the world Equality Now 2021-03-09 | On March 4, Equality Now and the makers of NASRIN held an online event in solidarity with women human rights defenders around the world. The film NASRIN is an immersive portrait of Nasrin Sotoudeh - one of the world’s most courageous human rights activists and political prisoners - and of Iran’s remarkably resilient women’s rights movement. The event, hosted by MP and Finland’s former Minister of Social Services, Health and Gender Equality, Eva Biaudet shone a light on attempts to silence women's human rights defenders across the world, including in Iran, Russia, and Zimbabwe, and challenge all of us to amplify their voices and harness the power of our own.Panelists: Jeff Kaufman & Marcia S. Ross, NASRIN filmmakersChenayi Mutambasere, Zimbabwean activistVanessa Kogan, Director of Stichting Justice InitiativeWatch NASRIN the film: nasrinfilm.com/watch
