© Jes Foord Foundation

Rape culture in South Africa has become somewhat of a norm, a sign of its pervasive nature and society’s biased attitude towards gender and sexuality. Official statistics do not always reflect the fact that so many cases go unreported. This enduring nightmare often leaves victims helpless and scared for life. One victim of rape, decided to turn her status around, by taking this horrific crime and making it work for the greater good of the community around her.

© Prothom Alo Trust

Acid violence is prevalent in Bangladesh with perpetrators throwing acid at the faces and/or bodies of victims. Although these latter are predominantly young women, there have been acid attacks on older women, hildren and even men in recent years. These attacks frequently are the result of disputes involving money, land and dowries. They are often revenge for romantic rejection.

An advertising board displays the “Tour de Sloggi” publicity poster by underwear brand Sloggi (Brussels, Belgium, 2010)

There is one ad on German TV that particularly irks me.

It peddles a weight loss formula that features a woman and her bulldog. Yes, you read right: bulldog. And frankly, the pudgy pooch is probably the ad’s only saving grace.

South Africa’s sexual offense statistics are alarming. A high-profile court case sparked a national debate about rape culture as well as the formation of a group that is fighting for justice for survivors.

The brutality of a recent rape and murder has drawn attention to an alarming rise of sexual violence in India. Activists say the surge is part of a deeper social dysfunction. Murali Krishnan reports from New Delhi.

As a South African Indian girl born and raised in Durban, I can say that for the most part I have lived a sheltered and somewhat privileged life… I say privileged because even if there was a life out there that I did not know about, I was so sheltered and naive that it didn’t bother me.

The women of the Samburu tribe face many hardships, including circumcision, child marriage and sexual abuse. Some had enough and decided to set up a safe village just for women.