Unveiled or unemployed: The German unveiling policies - An ultimatum between Allah and work? As a symbol of ‘Islamic’ oppression and backwardness for some and an emblem of dignity and devout faith for others, veiling has sparked discussions centered on religion. However, recent unveiling policies in several European countries have characterized veiling as far more than an expression of religious faith. By Lara-Zuzan Golesorkhi
Playing with Numbers instead of Protecting Civil Liberties After strong criticism voiced by Afghan human rights and civil society organizations, the Ministry of Justice has modified the draft law on how to celebrate weddings in Afghanistan. The result is disappointing.
Import Ban on Bridal Dresses Wedding ceremonies have become ruinous for many Afghans. A new law now aims at limiting the expenses. The good intention of the initiative is tarnished, however, because the draft at the same time sanctions heavy governmental interference into personal affairs. Ten years after the fall of the Taliban, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs revives the institution of moral guards. By Bente Aika Scheller
“Gender, Religion, and the Quest for Justice in Pakistan" April 27, 2010, Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Pakistan launched a research report on “Gender, Religion, and the Quest for Justice in Pakistan” by Farida Shaheed at Marriott Hotel. The study was carried out in collaboration with United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD).
The Complexities of the Mexican Secular State and the Rights of Women July 2010 By Ana Amuchástegui, Guadalupe Cruz, Evelyn Aldaz & María Consuelo Mejía
Religion, Politics and Gender Equality among Jews in Israel June 2010 By Ruth Halperin-Kaddari and Yaacov Yadgar
Religion, Politics and Gender Equality Religion has an important function in the public and political life of many societies, and from the point of view of women’s rights to equality, there is much at stake in how religion and politics intertwine. For that purpose the Heinrich Boell Foundation conducts an extensive research project in collaboration with the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) which includes case studies from 11 countries.
A Debate on the Public Role of Religion and its Social and Gender Implications By José Casanova and Anne Phillips, September 2009
