No one has the right to dictate over a woman’s body

Swapna Majumdar, CNS Special Correspondent, India

Dr Natalia Kanem

The ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis, referred to as ‘ethnic cleansing’ by some, has divided the world. Women and girls, who account for more than half the 600,000 refugees who crossed over from Myanmar to Bangladesh, have been the worst affected. Reports of abuse and sexual violence against these displaced and vulnerable women and girls have led to outrage and calls for international sanctions against Myanmar. This is not the first time women have borne the brunt of political conflict and, considering the present troubled state in different parts of the world, it may not be the last either.

Women with disabilities: Are they nobody's children?

Swapna Majumdar, CNS Correspondent, India

Maria Cresta Anore at APCRSHR

Maria Cresta Anore cannot hear or speak. But her expressive eyes and animated fingers articulate her enthusiasm. Being at the 9th Asia Pacific Conference for Reproductive and Sexual health and Rights (APCRSHR) in Vietnam is a dream come true for her. It is not just the opportunity to engage with health and gender activists from the region that excites her. As a peer facilitator, Anore is keen to learn more about how to advocate for justice in sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially for women with disabilities back home in Philippines.