- Two women in Pakistan were murdered after a video in which they kissed a man was leaked online. Human rights groups estimate that about 1,000 Pakistani women are killed each year in “honour killings.” According to a statement released Sunday by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan:
“Antiquated — and lethal — notions that ‘honor’ resides in women’s bodies and actions still prevail across Pakistan, and it will take far more than laws to effect a change when perpetrators of ‘honor’ crimes continue to act with impunity. The patriarchy that upholds casual sexism is the same patriarchy that is used to justify, endorse, and perpetrate ‘honor’ killings. Neither is acceptable.”
- Indian journalist Rizwana Tabassaum was murdered earlier this month and the investigation is ongoing. Tabassaum was a contributor to a grassroots feminist publication where her work exposed violence against women and political corruption.
- Women’s organizations in Turkey protest a law that will allow child rapists to escape punishment on the condition that they marry their victims, including children as young as 12. The proposed law was tabled earlier this year, though campaigners fear the law will be enacted in secrecy.
- A 17-year-old girl in Sweden was beheaded by her ex-boyfriend in a case that has shocked the nation due to the country’s reputation for safety and equality for women. The head of Wilma Andersson, who was reported missing in November of last year, was found in her ex-boyfriend’s apartment. Charges were brought against him last week.