Today, three months after the United States Government overturned Roe V Wade (which simultaneously overturned 50 years of legal protection for the right to an abortion in America), the global conversation surrounding reproductive rights remains both important and divisive. 

Americans now join a staggering 1,070 million people worldwide who face national institutionalised barriers to their reproductive rights. 

I drove down to Myrtle Beach last spring break. Upon arriving, I couldn’t help but notice the mounds of litter huddling around the stop sign at an intersection. While walking around, I was able to observe the murky waters of this popular spring break spot. I wondered how the ecosystem in the local ocean was able to survive the hazards caused by beachgoers, and how it affected the local water quality. 

Five months on since the Taliban took over power in Afghanistan, on August 30th, 2021, women still continue to fear for their lives and basic human rights. 

This article will focus on an overview of the Taliban’s actions during their takeover in Afghanistan. I will also highlight some of the brave women who continue to challenge the Taliban’s restrictions of their basic human rights. 

In most humanitarian crises, the women and children always seem to suffer the most harm. 

“Peace is not just silencing the guns.”

 ~ Fawzia Koofi, former Republic Peak Negotiator and first woman Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Afghanistan
 

In 2020, a concerning new record high in the global mean sea level was documented. i  An increase in approximately 8-9 inches since 1880 was recorded; over a third of this increase has happened within the last two decades. ii Sea levels are continuing to rise and at an alarming rate, jeopardising the lives and livelihood of many human beings.

Throughout time in the Middle East, women have been considered second class citizens and have had to fight for their basic human rights.

Does Climate Change Discriminate?