WDI weekly newsletter

News from WDI

Declaration reaches 30,000 signatures

We're delighted that more than 30,000 people across the world have signed the Declaration on Women's Sex-Based Rights. Thank you to everyone for your support and welcome to our new signatories!

WDI Mexico joins protests against surrogacy

On 15 February 2022 different feminist associations gathered together outside the local Congress in Mexico City to protest against the attempts to legalise surrogacy. WDI Mexico was there and participated by reading aloud the 3rd article of the Declaration on Women’s Sex-Based Rights. A massive number of journalists from different radio and TV stations were present and interviewed some of us, and WDI Mexico was able to take the opportunity to promote the Declaration on Women's Sex-Based Rights. The event went on for about two hours with feminists chanting, playing drums, and speaking on behalf of Mexican women, reminding people that we are neither merchandise nor incubators. A few women were allowed to access the Congress and delivered their petitions in written form. A few politicians went to the motions of receiving them in order to have a dialogue but soon afterwards they suddenly left the room without any explanation. Read more. 

Upcoming WDI webinars:

WDI Australia and New Zealand monthly webinar takes place Saturday 26 February at 19.00 Sydney time. Hosted by Anna Kerr and Janet Fraser of the Feminist Legal Clinic, the webinar will discuss women's rights to freedom of opinion, expression and association. Speakers Viviane Morrigan, Chris Sitka and Eileen Haley will be addressing articles 4 and 5 of the Declaration on Women's Sex-Based Rights followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. Register here. 

WDI Feminist Question Time (FQT) takes place on Saturdays at 15.00 UK time. This week, 26 February, we have Cynthia Millen from the USA, asking 'How can the Ivy League be so stupid?', Coach Linda Blade from Canada, giving an update on Lia Thomas and the Struggle to Save Women's Sports and Emma Hilton from the UK on Save Women's Sports. Register here. 

WDI Radical Feminist Perspectives (RFP) takes place on Sundays at 10.00 UK time. This week, 27 February, we are discussing Andrea Dworkin's Pornography: Men Possessing Women with Lierre Keith and Marian Rutigliano. Register here.

Sex-based rights around the world

Colombia decriminalises abortion

Colombia's constitutional court has decriminalised abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. 

HIV-positive Indian men seek cure by raping girls

HIV-positive men in India are seeking an imaginary 'virgin cure' by raping female children. 

Female World Cup official faced jail and lashes for reporting rape

A female official working on the World Cup in Qatar has fled the country after reporting being raped by a male colleague who threatened to kill her. Qatar police charged her with 'extramarital sex' while allowing her attacker to go free and she faced 7 years in prison and 100 lashes. 

Activist doctors urge GPs to prescribe puberty blockers

Activist doctors are urging GPs to prescribe puberty blockers without referring children to gender clinics. 

Male swimmer wins more women's races

Male swimmer Lia Thomas has won more women's titles at the Ivy League women's swimming championships, setting records in the process. 

New York Times runs sexist ad denigrating JK Rowling

The New York Times is running a sexist ad campaign asking people to imagine Harry Potter without its creator. 

Adult men sleep in cabins with 5th grade girls on school trip

Elementary school admits that 5th grade girls on a school science camp had male counsellors who claim a 'non-binary' identity sleeping in their cabins for the 3 day trip. 

Women's groups working together to protect single sex spaces in Scotland

More than a dozen women's groups in Scotland are working together to preserve single sex spaces in Scotland. 

Texas AG declares 'puberty blockers' and 'sex change' surgery for minors is child abuse

Texas attorney general Ken Paxton has declared that giving puberty blocking drugs and 'sex change' surgeries to children is child abuse under Texas law. 

FPFW asks EHRC to investigate Mridul Wadhwa appointment

Fair Play For Women has asked the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to investigate the appointment of Mridul Wadhwa, a man who claims a female 'gender identity' as CEO of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre. 

Resources

For Women Scotland - what their victory means

Read the analysis of FWS's recent victory in the Scottish Court of Session and what it means for all who believe in reality. 

The Secret Tactics of Glitter Moms: A Tale of Betrayal and Grooming
'Parents all over the World are losing emotional and physical custody of their children to "glitter moms"; who come in all forms and with all different angles. However, they all know what is best for your child, and you, momma, you just aren't it.' Read more from Gender Mapper. 

Events

Detransitioner Awareness Day - 12 March

Members of WDI, parents, and advocates have planned a day to support Detransitioner Awareness Day on 12 March. We are trying to get national news as always. We are hoping to have photos from many places posted to social media with the hashtag #DetransAwarenessDay or #DetransDay2022 to bring global awareness that there are many detransitioners, we support them, and they need our help. Please visit our website, designed by parents with detransitioners' input and help shine a light on Detransition Awareness Day on 3/12/22. Please consider holding an event to show support for the resilient and often ignored detransitioners. Let's demonstrate that parents are recognizing detransitioners' existence. The time is now to have their voices heard! For more information email us. 


Support Jenni Swayne in Newport, Wales - 24 February

Justice for Women Rally takes place on 24 Feb at Newport. Gather opposite Newport Central Police Station. Welcome and introductions due at 13.30. Follow Merched Cymru for more details. Speakers:
Sarah Phillimore, - family Law Barrister and co founder of the campaign Group Fair Cop
Ali Morris - Independent specialist VAWDASV, consultant and trainer
Abby - President of Swansea University Feminist group
Sonya Douglas - Cardiff based artist and activist
There will be a choir and book readings. Please bring your favourite feminist book, there will be a group photo opportunity (holding books aloft!) for those who wish to be included for use on social media.