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Women and gender

Women and gender

News and analysis on women's rights, the gender gap, LGBTQ issues, sexual harassment, sexual minorities and masculinity in Asia and beyond.

last updated:

16 October, 2024

Gisele Pelicot poses for a photograph during the trial of her former partner accused of drugging her for nearly ten years and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in the small southern town of Mazan, France. Photo: AFP

Ex-husband convicted in French mass rape trial won’t appeal 20-year sentence

His lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, says he wants to spare his wife, Gisele Pelicot, further trauma.

30 Dec 2024 - 3:50PM

TV shows and streaming video

As women hit milestone in Japan’s legal system, drama tells 1 pioneer’s story

30 Dec 2024 - 3:15PM

The Philippines

Cambodia pardons 13 Philippine mothers for surrogacy scheme

30 Dec 2024 - 11:44AM

Indonesia’s Frida Kahlo, taboo-breaking artist Arahmaiani in spotlight

With a recent show in Jakarta and now one in the UK, artist who was imprisoned, then exiled reminds Indonesians of past they want to forget.

29 Dec 2024 - 4:15PM

Arahmaiani, Indonesian visual and performing artist, at her exhibition in Jakarta. Photo: AFP

Letters | Anwar is not to blame for the failed case against Najib’s wife

Readers discuss the charges against the former first lady of Malaysia, and what Gisele Pelicot could do next.

29 Dec 2024 - 11:30AM

LGBTQ rights, deepfake threats, falling fertility: Asia’s gender equality in 2024

In 2024, Asia’s gender equality landscape saw advancements in LGBTQ rights amid alarming rates of violence against women, highlighting ongoing challenges.

28 Dec 2024 - 12:00PMvideocam

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Malaysian university suspends professor over sexual harassment claims

University says move to suspend professor over allegations of sending nude photos to students is in line with its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.

24 Dec 2024 - 1:50PM

Universiti Malaya has suspended a professor over allegations of unsolicited nude pictures sent to several students. Photo: Facebook/Universiti Malaya

Nearly two-thirds of Korean women OK with being childless, survey finds

South Korea has world’s lowest fertility rate, and 65 per cent of women and 41 per cent of men say they could accept a life without children.

22 Dec 2024 - 9:45AMvideocam

Pregnant Thai star’s performance defended by fans – ‘women can shine at any stage’

K-pop and J-pop girl groups face pressure, with pregnancy often leading to career suspension.

21 Dec 2024 - 6:00PM

In southern India, the push for home births carries health concerns

While some women advocate for natural childbirth, the lack of skilled care and potential for complications during home deliveries poses significant risks.

21 Dec 2024 - 3:00PMvideocam

Home births are rising in India due to high healthcare costs and forced C-sections, but experts warn of increased maternal deaths and medical risks. Photo: Shutterstock

France jails Dominique Pelicot for 20 years over drugging, mass rape of ex-wife

Judges found Dominique Pelicot guilty, and also convicted a first batch of 20 out of 50 co-defendants in the case.

19 Dec 2024 - 7:26PM

Gisele Pelicot (middle) arrives at the criminal court where her husband Dominique Pelicot is on trial in Avignon. Photo: EPA-EFE

Video | Sumo wrestler Hiyori Kon brings her sport to Argentina

Hiyori Kon was profiled in the Netflix documentary Little Miss Sumo.

19 Dec 2024 - 10:35AMvideocam

Chinese culture

Opinion | How China’s reality TV shows reveal changing attitudes to marriage

A hit reality show about couples seeking divorce might come off as mere spectacle but the public discussion around it is telling.

19 Dec 2024 - 9:30AMvideocam

China's ageing population

Outrage as scholar asks how can China make women ‘submissively have children’

Professor Wang Xianju was speaking to Kazakhstan’s Erlan Qarin, who said women in his country had free will regarding fertility.

18 Dec 2024 - 5:08PMvideocam

A professor at Renmin University has asked a visiting Kazakh politician how China could “obediently, submissively have children, have children early and have lots of children”. Photo: AFP

Opinion | Chiung Yao’s celebration of women’s freedom goes deeper than her paeans to love

As Chinese women embrace feminism, the writer’s final celebration of her independence perhaps resonates more deeply than her love stories.

17 Dec 2024 - 11:52AMvideocam

Taiwanese romance novelist Chiung Yao, who died at the age of 86, after reportedly committing suicide at her home in New Taipei City on December 4. Photo: Weibo/ 会火

American cinema

Being a young actress in Hollywood is exhausting, Florence Pugh says

British star, 28, says ‘there are lines women have to stay within’ in the film industry but that she refuses to fit into stereotypes.

16 Dec 2024 - 3:30PM

Iran arrests singer for giving online concert without hijab

Parastoo Ahmadi, who was accompanied by four male musicians, wore a black sleeveless and collarless dress but no headscarf.

15 Dec 2024 - 4:46AMvideocam

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Japanese women join the sake industry despite traditional exclusions

Mie Takahashi is one of a small group of female master sake brewers, made possible by changing gender norms and increased mechanisation.

14 Dec 2024 - 10:07PM

Sake brewer Mie Takahashi. Photo: AP

Indian software engineer’s suicide sets off reckoning over bias in family courts

Atul Subhash blamed his estranged wife, her family, and the judicial system for his death, alleging extortion and manipulation of the legal system.

14 Dec 2024 - 6:47PMvideocam

Topless women protesting Ukraine war detained for vandalism near UN building

The women are with the group Femen, which is known for its provocative protests.

13 Dec 2024 - 8:37PM

India’s political landscape is shifting, with parties vying for women’s votes

Indian political parties are targeting women voters with financial aid and empowerment schemes, acknowledging their increasing electoral influence.

13 Dec 2024 - 6:18PMvideocam

Women stand in a queue to cast their vote at a polling station during the second phase of the general elections, in Barmer, Rajasthan, India, on April 26. Photo: Reuters

Video | Woman-owned cafe defies norms in Indonesia

Morning Mama was opened in 2023 to create a space that caters to women in Banda Aceh.

13 Dec 2024 - 5:15PMvideocam

Woman-owned cafe defies norms in Indonesia

R&A to bar transgender women golfers from competing, in line with LPGA policy

The R&A, which runs the sport outside US and Mexico, updated guidelines – taking effect in 2025 – after ‘extensive consultation’ with experts.

13 Dec 2024 - 1:59PM

Food and Drinks

Women-only cafe in Germany a ‘place of retreat’, says teenage owner

18-year-old Sumeja Zumberi’s cafe Baresha offers women in Bremen, many from countries where sexes meet separately, a rare space of their own.

12 Dec 2024 - 12:45PM

UK bans puberty blockers for under-18s with gender dysphoria

Health Secretary Wes Streeting cited a review that concluded that the long-term benefits for treating gender-related distress were unproven.

12 Dec 2024 - 2:16AM

Transgender youth and allies rally outside the US Supreme Court on December 4. The UK decision comes as the to US court considers the constitutionality of state laws that ban such treatments for minors. Photo: dpa

What drives this actress in Iran? ‘I wanted to earn respect’

Actress Fereshte Hosseini, born to Afghan immigrants in Iran, wants to help end prejudice against Afghans in the country, many refugees.

11 Dec 2024 - 7:15PMvideocam

Actress Fereshte Hosseini (pictured), born to Afghan immigrants in Iran, wants to help wipe away prejudice against Afghans in her adopted country through her acting. Photo: DPA/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)

Human rights in China

Years after mentally ill woman went missing, man held on suspicion of rape

‘Zhang knew Bu had a mental illness but still had sexual relations with her and had children,’ say local authorities.

10 Dec 2024 - 10:17PMvideocam

Human rights in China

Chinese police can use text message evidence in domestic violence crackdown

A new mechanism will allow government agencies to work together and help victims of domestic violence, state media says.

10 Dec 2024 - 6:47PMvideocam

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