Dear JOhn,

With less than eight weeks left of this challenging year, but with inspiring political change on the horizon, our team of human rights lawyers and advocates are doubling down to #MakeEqualityReality for women and girls. Thank you for making this work possible.

News from our teams around the world

Expert panel discussion on international law and the Equal Rights Amendment in the United States

Unlike the majority of countries in the world, the U.S. does not protect against sex discrimination in its Constitution – it has fallen behind its peers and now ranks in the bottom 2/3 of countries for gender equality. At the current rate of "progress" the World Economic Forum estimates it will take over 200 years for the U.S. to reach gender equality. On October 24th, Antonia Kirkland, Equality Now’s Global Lead for Legal Equality, took part in a lively discussion with other experts (hosted by our partner Vote Equality US) on the application of international law in the U.S. and why it matters, and how the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), once incorporated into the Constitution, could bring the U.S. in line with its international obligations to achieve gender equality.

"Good storytelling can change the world"

The current situation in Lebanon has exacerbated existing inequalities across the society & within the law. That’s why we’re committed to supporting those campaigning for change. One way we’re doing that is by supporting activists and young people to gain the skills they need to make their voices heard. Check out this video from our successful (socially distanced) film making training in Tripoli on Facebook or Twitter.

Day of the Girl Child 2020: Protecting Girls from Sexual Violence

On the Day of the Girl Child, we highlighted the threats to girls’ rights and safety around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the increase in sexual violence, and the additional challenges girls face when trying to access justice. From ongoing problems such as victim-blaming and discrimination codified in the laws themselves, to increases in child marriage and sexual violence during lockdown, and delays in judicial proceedings, the particular vulnerabilities of girls facing these devastating impacts have become more visible. Together with our partners around the world we will continue to work toward ending sexual violence, ending impunity for rapists, and ending the stigma that survivors of sexual violence experience.

Watch and Share

Safe, Fearless, and Free!

We made this empowering GIF for Day of the Girl Child, but you can share it anytime you like!

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Coming up next 

Equality Now is excited to announce our first ever global virtual gala! Join us this December 3rd to watch some of your favorite artists and activists for an unforgettable evening spotlighting those that inspire us, support us, and help us take action in the fight for equal rights for women and girls around the world. Special appearances include Jane Fonda, Karamo Brown, Jameela Jamil and many more! The gala live stream is free to view, you can RSVP for the event here.

Equality Now in the news 

📰Equality Now’s Alexandra Patsalides talked to Thomson Reuters about the importance of girls’ education

📰Director of Programs Niki Kandirikirira commented on regulations to restrict abortion access in Slovakia

📰Tamar Dekanosidze, Equality Now’s Eurasia Consultant, spoke about a high profile domestic violence case in Georgia

Thank you for being a huge part of our work, which would not be possible without your constant support and activism.

In solidarity,

Bryna Subherwal
Advocacy Campaign Manager

P.S. One way you can support our work is by wearing your #feminism on your sleeve! Our online shop is open and we’ll plant a tree for all orders made between November 13th and 15th. Check it out!