Global Quickies: Feminist Soccer Shirts, Drunk Conscent, and Abortion Difficulties in Mexico

WORLD
“In the wake of Trump’s reinstatement of the global gag rule, nations and organizations from around the world have pledged €181 million, or approximately $190 million, to help women and girls maintain control of their reproductive choices.”

BRAZIL
“The killing of a transgender woman who was beaten, tortured, shot and then bashed on the head with a big stone has horrified and transfixed Brazil, training attention on the violence and discrimination suffered by transgender people in South America’s most populous nation.”

SOUTH AFRICA
“Police have refused to allow anti-xenophobia protesters to hand over their memorandum to the Presidency, turning the marchers away at the gates of the Union Buildings.”

BRAZIL
“Brazil’s president, Michel Temer, drew an angry response on Wednesday following his International Women’s Day speech, which praised women for their roles as homemakers and mothers. In his address, Temer said that women participate significantly in the national economy by being vigilant about price changes at the supermarket. He also praised “everything that they do for their home and for their children”.”

SPAIN
“The fight over Madrid’s “transphobic” bus has moved to a new battleground – or at least to a new vehicle. After a bus displaying a message viewed as a potential hate crime was impounded by local authorities, the ultraconservative group behind the campaign has rolled out a motor home with a similar ad.”

MEXICO
“The difficulties of accessing a safe abortion procedure in Mexico: Women must travel to the capital, the only place where terminations are allowed until the 12th week”

ITALY
“Europe’s top human rights court has ruled against authorities in a landmark case of domestic violence in Italy. Rome has struggled to combat violence against women, although officials say the situation is improving.”

CANADA
“Calls are mounting for the removal of a Canadian provincial judge who told a courtroom “clearly, a drunk can consent”, before acquitting a taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting a female passenger who was found half-naked and unconscious in his cab.”

SWEDEN
“The Sweden women’s team have dropped the names on the back of their football shirts in favour of messages that “inspire and motivate women to show that everything is possible”.”

BRAZIL
“Brazilian club Cruzeiro have decided on an incredible initiative to mark International Women’s Day. The numbers and names on the back of the Cruzeiro shirts will be replaced by shocking statistics relating to women and inequality.”

UK
“England rugby fans have sung “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” at every match since 1988 but US academics have recently criticised their choice of tune, saying the song – a traditional African-American spiritual piece about the desire to escape from slavery – is not being used appropriately.” (Autoplay video)

Featured image: Sweden’s new shirts. Adidas