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Argentina

Violence breaks out over Argentine abortion decision

There were celebrations, sadness, anger and violence after the Argentine Senate voted against a bill that would have liberalised the country's abortion law

South Korea

Thousands march against spycam epidemic in South Korea

Tens of thousands of South Korean women have been taking part in a mass protest in Seoul against secretly-filmed spycam pornography.

United Kingdom

Euroviews. UK must do more to tackle sex slavery at home | View

On World Day against Trafficking in Persons, it's clear the British government has a long way to go to end widespread sexual exploitation happening within its own borders, despite claiming to be a leader in the fight against modern slavery.

France

France honours Simone Veil with rare hero's burial in the Panthéon

The former minister, Holocaust survivor, and EU president is only the fifth woman to be buried in the secular mausoleum.

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Spain

'New wolf pack' gang in Spain held over sex attack

Four men and a boy have been detained by police over a sexual assault on a girl in Gran Canaria.

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Saudi psychologist drives herself to work for first time in 21-year career as ban lifted

Driving through morning rush hour and stopping for coffee and fuel, Ghamdi braved the traffic of Jeddah for the first time in her life.

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Male lawyers take to the streets in heels

Dozens of male lawyers in Chicago took to the city streets in high heels to raise awareness and encourage conversation about rape and sexual assault.

United Kingdom

Marches held across UK to celebrate a 100 years of the right to vote f

Cities in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were turned into rivers of green, white and violet on Sunday as females observed the enactment of the Representation of the People Act in 1918

World News

Good news Friday!

Here's a roundup of some of the brightest stories from the week to cheer up your Friday

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia issues first driving licences to women

Human rights groups have denounced a recent crackdown on campaigners against the ban on women drivers.

Afghanistan

Forget drugs and booze, young Afghans risk their parents' wrath — by going to the gym

In conservative Afghan society, women are secondary to men, and female participation in sport — including at female-only fitness clubs — is frowned upon.

France

Women challenge the status quo at the Cannes Film Festival

Women often fill the frame at Cannes. On the red carpet, the camera lingers on them far longer than it does on men. But this year, some women are challenging that image.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi women mock ‘You can’t drive’ hashtag as they get ready to take to the roads

Female social media users have commandeered an Arabic Twitter hashtag that translates to "You can't drive".

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82 women walk the red carpet in Cannes film festival protest

Eighty-two women climbed the steps of the Palais des Festivals at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday in an unprecedented red carpet protest to press for improved gender equality in the film industry.

Portugal

Toy is a song about empowerment, says Eurovision winner

Netta's supporters celebrated not only her Eurovision win but the message behind the victory. The Israeli singer described her song as one of empowerment, wrapped in a heavy vibe.

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Hong Kong mothers stage breastfeeding flashmob protest

Dozens of breastfeeding mothers took over Hong Kong's Central financial district on Saturday (May 5) to protest over prejudices against giving nourishment to their little ones in public.

Iran

Women beaten up in Iran for wearing headscarf 'improperly'

Video prompts investigation by interior ministry.

Argentina

Argentina begins historic debate on legalising abortion

Pro and anti-abortion activists demonstrated as the first hearings began into expanding the law allowing women to terminate their pregnancies

United Kingdom

78% of UK firms pay men more than women

Some 8% of respondents had no median gender pay gap, and 14% had a pay gap favouring women.

France

French feminist groups sceptical over on-the-spot fines for sexual har

Are on-the-spot fines for sexual harassment in the street a good idea? The French government plans a new law but some feminist groups believe it might be unenforceable and counterproductive.