Dear JOhn,

Even though July means “summer vacation” for many in the northern hemisphere, we’ve been busier than ever. With all that has been happening, here is a reminder of the work your support has led to in the past month.

Women’s and girls’ rights must be central to sustainable development:

From July 9 to July 18, the United Nations invited member states and civil society organizations, including Equality Now, the 2019 High Level Political Forum to discuss and review the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Equality Now contributed to panels regarding the use of Information and Communications Technology to combat human trafficking, a multi-sectoral approach to gender equality in Kenya, and a screening of the film Saving Zoe.

Campaigning for equal nationality rights in Lebanon:

On July 4th, Equality Now MENA , in partnership with the Committee for the Follow Up on Women Issues (CFUWI), launched the campaign for equal citizenship rights in Lebanon, in the presence of twelve major Lebanese NGOs working in the field of women’s rights and human rights. The purpose of the meeting was to create a national coalition of NGOs to drive reform of nationality law in Lebanon through launching awareness campaigns and lobbying parliament to adopt the proposed changes.  

Tanzania landmark ruling against child "marriage" at risk:

On Wednesday 24th July, the Attorney General of Tanzania appealed to the Tanzanian Court of Appeals to challenge raising the minimum age of marriage to 18 for both boys and girls. Equality Now and our partners are defending the ruling that was issued by the High Court in Tanzania, and continue to call on the Government of Tanzania to set the minimum age of marriage at 18 with no exceptions.

Coming up next:

Walk to end sexual violence against young people in Bolivia

Sexual violence against young people, particularly girls, is a pervasive problem in Bolivia, and survivors face numerous barriers to justice when they come forward. The Network of Girls, Boys and Adolescents Against Sexual Violence (NNA-COVISE) is urging young people “Don’t be quiet, break the silence!” and to claim their rights. On August 9th (the National Day of Solidarity with Victims of Sexual Abuse and Against Sexual Violence Against Boys, Girls and Adolescents), the young activists have organized the 12th annual Walk for Victims of Sexual Violence. Learn more (Spanish) and show your support by spreading the word!

Get your tickets for a live streamed conversation with Margaret Atwood around her upcoming novel, The Testaments

On September 10, 2019 author Margaret Atwood will host a speaking event to celebrate her new book The Testaments. The event will include an interview with Atwood, a Q&A, readings with special guests, and a copy of the novel for ticket holders. The Testaments, a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, will be published on September 10, 2019. Tickets are available online.

Equality Now in the News

How ‘Saving Zoe’ Stars Vanessa & Laura Marano Fought To Get The Sex Trafficking Drama Made

Sierra Leone school defies state ban on pregnant girls in class

Indonesia’s Supreme Court Sentences Woman Who Reported Sexual Harassment to Prison 

Harmful Home Office guidelines state women trafficked from Nigeria are “wealthy from prostitution” 

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