General Updates
Go Ginsburg!
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, US Supreme Court Justice and bonafide Shero, recently wrote the decision in Sessions v. Morales-Santana, citing the amicus brief submitted by Equality Now and partners. Both Sierra Leone and the United States have now taken steps to remove sex discrimination in their nationality laws.
Read more about Nationality Laws Equality Now is working on progressing
United Nations Declares Commitment to Ending Sex Trafficking
You made this happen! The Draft Political Declaration, which will hopefully be adopted at the UN General Assembly High Level Meeting in September, commits to equally prioritizing sex trafficking. With women and girls making up 96% of all sex trafficking victims, this is critical. Thank you for speaking out!
A Perfect 10
Equality Now has achieved the highest possible rating for TEN YEARS straight, from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Four stars all the way!
Campaign Updates
26 US States and Counting
In July, Michigan became the 26th state to pass anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) laws, following April’s historic arrests and prosecutions! To our US supporters: Check whether your state has anti-FGM laws, and if not, raise your voice!
#StopMagufuli
In June, Tanzanian President John Magufuli shockingly stated that girls who become pregnant should not be allowed to return to school. We immediately rallied with our partners to fight back. The story quickly gained international attention, and also cited the larger issue of sexual violence against school girls. Following outreach, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) issued a joint letter of appeal to President Magufuli.
Women, Not Minors
Saudi women have been waiting on a ruling that would give them more control over their own lives. Earlier this year, the King issued a royal order to loosen restrictions of the male guardianship system. However, though a final decision was due at the end of July, women are still waiting to learn their fate. Renew the call to stop treating Saudi women as lifelong minors!
Events
On 30 October, 2017 Equality Now will host our 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City! Stay tuned for details.
l-r: Sue Kroll, Ivy McGregor, Yasmeen Hassan, Cleo Wade, Susan Chokachi, Lela Goren
Celebrating Everyday Activism
On 27 July, Gucci America and Equality Now hosted a panel at the Gucci offices in New York City featuring five powerful and dynamic women who are working to inspire and define everyday activism. Global Executive Director, Yasmeen Hassan, moderated a passionate conversation touching on everything from how to use diverse platforms to support women and girls, personal activism inspirations, advice for the next generation and Wonder Woman!