Argentina legalises abortion, UK’s first non-binary refugee, creative protesting in Belarus

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CCO)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a win for women’s rights in Argentina as abortion is legalised, the first non-binary person to be granted refugee status in the UK, and how protesters in Belarus are fighting for democracy in unusual and creative ways.

Argentina legalises abortion in landmark moment for women’s rights

The country becomes only the third in South America to permit elective abortions in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Source: The Guardian

First non-binary person granted UK refugee status

Initially refused asylum, a judge on appeal ruled that Arthur Britney Joestar would suffer persecution if sent back to El Salvador.

Source: The Guardian

Demonstrators in Belarus are finding increasingly creative ways to protest

With those participating in traditional protests facing police brutality and possible detention, Belarusian residents are turning to flash mobs and courtyard singing to protect democracy.

Source: BBC News

Japan is developing wooden satellites in an attempt to reduce space junk

Sumitomo Forestry and Kyoto University have joined forces to develop the world’s first satellites made of sustainably sourced wood.

Source: BBC News

Women in Syria are tackling sexual exploitation with legal and mental health support

Syrian doctor Zainab al-Aassi established Gardenia in 2017, aiming to empower women by raising awareness about female-related issues.

Source: Deutsche Welle

A doctor in Mexico is providing care to those in remote regions through makeshift clinics

Giorgio Franyuti travels to unmapped Indigenous communities, setting up DIY clinics and staying overnight to ensure residents have access to health services.

Source: Global Citizen

England’s first not-for-profit IVF clinic to open in 2021

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service is setting up a new fertility network to address inequalities in provision.

Source: The Guardian

Albuquerque’s Violence Intervention scheme is diverting residents away from gun crime

Through a custom notification programme, workers have performed 74 interventions since late March.

Source: Albuquerque Journal

New York now requires single-occupancy bathrooms to be gender neutral

The new legislation means that anyone is able to use these facilities regardless of their gender identity, increasing hygiene equity across the state.

Source: LGBTQ Nation

A crisis response programme in Oregon is a successful alternative to police forces

Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets, or CAHOOTS, is an initiative designed to help the city’s vulnerable citizens in ways the police cannot.

Source: The Atlantic

India’s Piplantri village plants 111 trees every time a girl is born

With female babies traditionally seen as a burden on families, the district in southern Rajasthan is challenging gender perceptions in a very green way.

Source: Goodnet

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