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Albany, NY – There are many drivers of change for women. This week, we'll have three case studies for change across the globe. Let's start with the government-based change in Afghanistan.
When leftists overthrew Afganistan's government in the 1970's, the country moved quickly to implement all kinds of new policies, including policies regarding women. They outlawed one tradition in which an Afghan family would settle a dispute with another family by offering a daughter's hand in marriage to the second family. That daughter would become a scapegoat, forever seen as a bargaining chip. The leftist government, eventually backed by the Soviet Union, banned the practice, along with sweeping reforms of gender policies. Those sweeping reforms angered tribal leaders, and when the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan they allowed the bride as peace offering to re-enter the culture. The practice continues today.
It's an example of the contrast between progressive government policies and de facto cultural practices in Afghanistan. As Afghan officials call for more help in fighting the Taliban and re-building a nation shredded by decades of war, the government and many ngo's have reached out to women. Some worried that helping hand for women might lead many Afghans to slap away aid and development programs.
Rand corporation researchers have looked into whether including women hurt or helped since the Taliban was ousted from power in 2001. From Washington, Laura Iiyama has more.
Another region of the country where you see women taking political power is in Latin America. But this region is also home to female appropriation of economic power and cultural voice.
Let's start with economic power. Michele Wucker has written two books and heads up the World Policy Institute, and focuses on migration and immigration patterns. She's noticed that more women are taking the breadwinner role in Latin America, traveling from their home countries to the U.S. and sending money home. Wucker sat down with me to explain her ideas on female economic power and immigration at the International Women's Day conference at Simon's Rock College in Massachusetts.
Latino film has been growing in popularity here in the U.S. Many projects form Latin American directors seek to convey a message, rather than simply entertain. And more of those directors are women these days. Latinas offer an interesting perspective into the issues of gender, race, sexuality and patriarchy. 51%'s Allison Clark traveled to the Chicago Film Festival to catch up with Latina directors and talk about gender in Latin American film. Here's what she found.