Karnal Gender Ratio Skewed No More
The Tribune – Chandigarh, India, 4/30/2013
The female gender ratio has improved discernibly in Karnal, a district notorious for its skewed gender ratio and honour killings, to 898 against 1,000 males. In September 2011, the ratio in the district was 825 (843 in rural areas and 817 in urban areas) female births, with the sex ratio crossing the 1,000 mark there. The attitude towards the girl child in the region is undergoing a change, as the female gender ratio figures for Karnal district indicate.
City Anchor: No Pre-Condition for Sex Workers to Access Welfare Measures
The Indian Express, India, 4/30/2013
There should be no pre-condition that sex workers must give up their profession to get social benefits, Chief Secretary J K Banthia told 16 district collectors and officials of several key government departments at a brainstorming session. ‘It needs to be understood that even they (sex workers, transgender and MSM) have equal rights like any of us. Any denial of their rights should be sorted out amicably through the co-ordination of various departments,’ he said.
Transgender Runs Dance School for Slum Children
The Times of India – Chennai, India, 4/29/2013
Located in a slum in Vyasarpadi on the outskirts of Chennai, Abhinaya Nrithyalaya is the outcome of Ponni`s 20-year dream. ‘I`ve wanted to set up a dance school for slum children since my childhood in Tuticorin when I was rejected by a dance class because it was open only to Brahmin students. I used to secretly stand by the window and watch them dance,’recalls Ponni, who underwent a sex reassignment surgery in her 20s.
New Workplace Sexual Harassment Law ‘Already Out Of Date’
The Wall Street Journal, India, 4/29/2013
India’s new law (Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill) meant to prevent and redress incidents of sexual harassment of women in the workplace isn’t likely to do much of either, say women’s rights activists. Activists say the prescribed mechanism of filing complaints is too bureaucratic and could deter women from coming forward. Women with legitimate grievances may keep quiet, fearing that they will not be able to prove their allegations and may instead be hounded for making false claims, says Suneeta Dhar, director at Delhi-based women’s group Jagori.
Sex Workers Demand Representation in Govt’s Policy Making Bodies
The Times of India - New Delhi, India, 4/28/2013
‘People who make laws don`t know anything about our issues, concerns and why we do this work. So, policy making bodies must have our representatives,’ said a participant from Ajmer. Sex workers want to be part of government`s policy making about issues related to their community. They demanded representation in all policy making bodies in ministries dealing with them. Sex workers also demanded welfare boards in all states to check human trafficking, especially of minor girls. The boards must include representatives of sex workers and ensure social protection for them and their families.
US Blasts Thailand`s Human Rights Record
The Bangkok Post, Thailand, 4/28/2013
The US Department of State has released a highly critical report detailing what it regards as Thailand`s human rights failings. The report criticised official corruption and a lack of transparency in official actions as well as the government`s poor attitude regarding international and NGO investigations into human rights abuses in the country while highlighting the country’s problems in various areas such as arbitrary arrests and detention; limits on freedom of assembly; insufficient protection for vulnerable people, including refugees; violence and discrimination against women; sex tourism; sexual exploitation of children; human trafficking; discrimination against persons with disabilities, minorities, hill tribes and foreign migrant workers; child labour, and limitations on workers` rights.
Midwives to be Involved in HIV/AIDS Prevention
The Jakarta Post - Semarang, Indonesia, 4/27/2013
According to chairman of the municipal branch of the Indonesian Family Planning Association (PKBI), Dwi Yoga Yulianto, midwives play a vital role in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Therefore, in a bid to stem the rising mother-to-child transmission of HIV and AIDS in Semarang municipality, Central Java, the local administration will enlist the help of midwives. Some 80 percent of expectant mothers, Dwi said, go to midwives for a check-up during their pregnancy. Midwives, he added, were also considered to have a better rapport with patients compared to doctors. More importantly, they deal with more patients from impoverished families that have limited access to health and good understanding of HIV and AIDS.
First Gujarati Film on Gays Released
The Deccan Herald - Ahmedabad, India, 4/25/2013
A movie on homosexuality in Gujarati is all set to be released. The film, ‘Meghdhanushya - The colours of our life’, will be released in theatres across Gujarat. Unlike other movies where there are reflections of a gay character, in Meghdhanushya, the protagonist is a homosexual. The filmmaker expects the movie to generate a discussion on homosexuality. Apart from Gohil (the filmmaker), organisations including Lakshya Trust of Vadodara, Humsafar Trust of Mumbai, Swalambi Trust of Ahmedabad and several other trusts working for homosexuals have extended their support to the venture.
Panel for Child Rights Slams Police
The Hindu - New Delhi, India, 4/24/2013
Slamming the Delhi Police for inaction, apathy and delay in taking action in the brutal rape case of a five-year-old girl, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has in its report confirmed that ‘There was significant delay and apathy on the part of the police in recording the complaint. Also counselling needs to be made available to the family immediately as well as the child as soon as she is medically fit to receive it. Long term assistance and support will be required to ensure that the victim receives all the medical care required, including reconstruction surgery, free of cost and with ease,’ recommended the Commission. It has also demanded strict action against the erring police officers.
Same-Sex Marriage: French Parliament Approves New Law
BBC News, France, 4/23/2013
France takes its position as the 14th country in the world and the ninth country in Europe to allow same-sex marriage. The bill, which also legalises adoption by same-sex couples, was passed by 321 votes to 225 in the French parliament. The decision was followed a divisive public debate with some of the biggest protests seen in France in recent years.
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