© 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.

Many of the women who live and work in English-speaking environments probably don’t give too much thought these days to o the simple two-letter title that often precedes our names on official letters and envelopes.

© 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.

India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) made headlines this week after finally lifting its ban on the theatrical screening of “Lipstick Under My Burkha”. The film opens in the cinemas on 21 July. Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, it follows four Indian women and their quiet acts of rebellion against cultural, religious and societal restrictions.

Twenty years ago, Zhang Yufen found out that her husband was having an affair – and divorced him. After that, Zhang became China’s first female private detective – usually tracking down wealthy men who cheat on their wives.

Social media was recently ablaze with reports and opinions about Donald Trump’s “creepy comment” to Brigitte Macron (wife of French President Emmanuel Macron) about being “in such good shape.”

The main issue that most commentators had was that the compliment somehow insinuated that the “looking good” bit came with the unspoken addendum, “for her age.”