feminist news round-up 26.12.11

tunisian association of democratic women wins simone de beauvoir prize

The 2011 Simone de Beauvoir Prize for Women’s Freedom, an award given to advocates of women’s rights across the globe, was awarded to the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women (ATFD) on Saturday. According to a statement from the prize organisers, the AFTD ‘was recognised for their accomplishments in the realm of feminist activism…given their important role during the Tunisian Revolution in defending women’s rights and freedoms.’ These women have been pushing for greater women’s rights in Tunisia and were instrumental in the protest movement that threw out the former government earlier in the year. You can read more here.

feminist artists awarded grants

In similar news, the Kentucky Foundation for Women has awarded 10 Artist Enrichment Grants totalling more than US$24,000 to ‘Central Kentucky feminist artists and art organisations committed to creating positive social change throughout the state.’ The grants provide opportunities for these artists to develop their skills. You can read more here.

cairo: thousands of women protest over beatings

Thousands of women hit the streets of Cairo to call for an end to military rule in what may have been the biggest women’s demonstration in Egypt’s history. They were expressing anger over images of soldiers beating, stripping and kicking a female demonstrator on the pavement in Tahir Square. The protest inevitably led to a public apology from the ruling military council. How’s that for Girl Power? Read more here.

australian woman detained in Belarus protest

A Melbourne woman has reportedly been arrested by the KGB and detained during a feminist protest against Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, on the streets of Minsk. Melburnian filmmaker Kitty Green, 27, was among the three topless female protestors abducted, beaten and left naked in the forest by security officers. You can read more here.

female friendly to expand and go public

Female Friendly, an Adelaide-based accreditation program that audits and accredits companies that have a commitment to providing good service to women, is expanding to the US and New Zealand as it prepares to become a public company. (Read about it here.) According to the company’s online About statement, ‘We find businesses used and recommended by women, it’s like word of mouth, then we take it one step further. Every business on our directory has successfully achieved their Female Friendly Accreditation by meeting our criteria so you can feel confident and secure you will received quality customer service with our members.’

But as one lip magazine reader pointed out: ‘Shouldn’t commitment to providing good service to women be a given?’

Fair point, we say. What do you think?

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