A young Senegalese girl under cover in her mother’s traditional clothes, while they attend the official renouncement ceremony of  Female Genital Cutting (FGC) in Kidira, eastern Senegal, Sunday 12 March 2006.
Rights: picture alliance/dpa

Here’s a round-up of women’s news that made it to the headlines. Did we miss
something? Let us know through your comments.

UK FGM trial signals step forward

The first trial over Female Genital Mutilation in the UK got underway last week. Two doctors have pleaded not guilty to carrying out the procedure on a woman after she gave birth in November 2012. Samira Shackle reports from London.

Link: http://dw.de/p/1EI2V

Surrogate moms in India

India is among the countries that allow commercial surrogacy. That means, a woman gives birth to a child and receives some money and then hands the child over to new parents. Advocates see this as a win-win situation for the surrogate mother and the hopeful parents whose child she delivers. Critics condemn surrogacy as exploitation of poor women who have no other choice. Sandra Petersmann talked to surrogate moms in India’s capital New Delhi.

Link: http://dw.de/p/1EGDZ

Papua New Guinea’s ‘Sorcery Refugees’: Women Accused of Witchcraft Flee Homes to Escape Violence

A number of women in Papua New Guinea have been forced to flee their homes amid accusations they practice witchcraft thus becoming the latest victims of a growing phenomenon of sorcery-related violence, officials have said.

Link: https://news.vice.com/article/papua-new-guineas-sorcery-refugees-women-accused-of-witchcraft-flee-homes-to-escape-violence

Irish court rules that brain-dead pregnant woman may be allowed to die

An Irish court has ruled that a pregnant woman who has been clinically dead for weeks may be removed from life support. The case has reignited a debate over Ireland’s ban on abortion.

Link: http://dw.de/p/1EARE

This Girl Can: New campaign urges more women to get active

Women are less likely than men to become active because of body image and competency fears, according to Sport England research.

Link: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/get-inspired/30743750

Viewpoint: The power of one woman’s fast

This January few Indians will pause to think about the extraordinary power of a woman who refuses to eat, argues feminist historian Uma Chakravarti. But understanding that protest might just hold the key to what ails India.

Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-30687326

Author: Marjory Linardy

Editor: Grahame Lucas