The struggle over paid leave in the Build Back Better negotiation is frustrating beyond belief. Almost every other country in the world offers paid maternity leave, and in some cases paternity leave as well. But here, a handful of plutocrats want to decree that even four weeks is too generous. How about we send all the Republicans in the Senate (and a couple of Democrats) on unpaid leave until further notice?
As always, this diary is a group effort. Thanks to mettle fatigue, elenacarlena, and the WOW crew for links and discussion.
Reproductive Rights:
Missouri Senate candidate Mark McCloskey explicitly argues that even a 13-year-old pregnant from incest should be forced to give birth.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court granted a temporary injunction for three anti-abortion laws.
Illinois state senate OKs repealing parental notification law for minors getting an abortion.
Jonathan Mitchell, the guy defending the Texas anti-abortion law at the Supreme Court, is also opposed to contraception, LGBTQ+ people, affirmative action, and probably kittens and apple pie.
Abortion has been legal in Ireland for two years — but it still isn’t accessible.
Violence and Harassment:
A depressing but unsurprising story about the misnamed Liberty University punishing students who reported sexual assaults.
Andrew Cuomo charged with misdemeanor assault in groping case.
Tunisia’s landmark #MeToo case goes to court.
Update to the recent story about a woman raped on a commuter train in Philadelphia. Police initially claimed that bystanders entertained themselves by filming it. Turns out that last part wasn't accurate.
How not to blame the victim.
Workplace and Economic Issues:
Biden nominates Jessica Rosenworcel to be the first woman chair of the FCC.
Plan for housing for mentally ill homeless women denied in Anaheim.
After stepping up during the Ebola epidemic, Congolese women still struggle for equality.
“Down to my last diaper:” the anxiety of parenting in poverty:
One in every three American families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infants and toddlers clean, dry and healthy, according to the National Diaper Bank Network. For many parents, that leads to wrenching choices: diapers, food or rent?
Politics:
Eighth and current governor-general of Barbados Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, is the president-elect scheduled to take office on 30 November 2021, when the country, under the direct proposal of eighth and current Prime Minister Mia Mottley, will abolish its monarchy and become a republic. Estonia in January 2021 became the first country with both a female elected head of state and female elected head of government. Three others with a female head of state and head of government each have a queen (hereditary head of state) and a female prime minister (elected head of government) - New Zealand, Denmark, and Barbados - until Barbados switches category and joins up with Estonia, still leaving female-led countries only two and two on the whole planet.
From Walter Einenkel: India Walton, who may become Buffalo’s first female mayor, delivers DoorDash when not campaigning.
Girls get the message early that they don’t have much of a place in politics.
Yukon, Canada's Michelle Friesen is the first Indigenous person elected to the Whitehorse City Council since 1991, and the first indigenous woman ever to serve on the council.
..."Representation matters and it’s one of the reasons why I decided to step into politics in the first place... I think having diverse perspectives is vital to any leadership and I hope I can bring that to city council,” she says. ...the issues important to her are affordable housing, accessible transportation and climate change – something Friesen is particularly concerned about as a First Nations person....
Education:
Afghan girls and women are learning online and in secret schools.
With COVID rampant and the power grid still falling apart, Texas governor Greg Abbott is busy signing a bill to keep transgender girls out of girls’ sports at school.
Uncategorizable:
Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson mocks Pete Buttigieg for taking paternity leave. Seriously, they’re arguing that it’s a bad thing for men to participate in parenting.