Iran's President Hassan Rowhani admitted this past Sunday that women in his country still face discrimination and cultural barriers. However, he instated that they are not treated as second-class citizens. Rowhandi is seen as a moderate reformer and has said that there needs to be more done for women but that the West is not a model to be followed. His speech on Sunday promised for more social freedoms, he stated: "I, as the head of the government, confess there are still so many deficiencies with regards to the vindication of women's rights", to Iran's female elite.
The West has criticized Iran for its islamic republic. Women cannot travel abroad without official permission. Within the country many will not allow women to check in to a room if she is not accompanied. Also, women's evidence is considered to have only half the value of a man's. Rowhandi argues that "women should enjoy equal opportunities, security and social rights". He even pardoned women that had committed crimes and were in jail.
I think that president of Iran has a good start, but it makes me wonder if Iran will ever have equality for women. Will women ever be able to actually have the same opportunities as men? I do not think this will be possible with any country that mixes state and religion.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2014/04/20/Rowhani-says-Iran-s-women-not-second-class-citizens-.html
Monday, April 21, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
Nigeria
Nigeria is a country of absurd economic realities. It is the 13 largest oil producer in the world and second largest economy in Africa. Yet, its GDP per capita is among the lowest for the continent and 54 percent of its 148 million people live on less than 1 dollar per day. Nigeria has an abundance of natural resources primarily oil and natural gas. More than 67 million Nigerians are docked as poor according to standard definitions, while 35 percent of the total population live in extreme poverty. Now Nigeria is looking to break the poverty cycle through entrepreneurial revolution. I honestly do not know how Nigeria tends to do this. With all the corruption and fragmentation in this country iI honestly do not think its possible. In order to this they have to spend on education on the poor so they can be educated.
SAUDI ARABIA Social Progress Index
According to the social progress index Saudi Arabia ranks 64. On basic human needs it ranks 83. Opportunity is 40. And foundation of well-being is 69. To me it is not surprising that Saudi Arabia ranks 40 on opportunity, 83 in basic human rights and 69 in well-being. Opportunity and well-being should be high because of the economy that Saudi Arabia has. Ranking 83 in basic human rights is also not surprising because Saudi Arabia is a very conservative state. And their religion has a lot to do with this. Saudi strives in Nutrition and Basic Medical Care, Personal Safety, and Access to Basic Knowledge. However, it falls short in personal freedom and choice. One thing is surprising however, is that Saudi Arabia ranks very high on treating women with respect. I always thought because they don't have some basic rights they were treated without respect. This was very enlightening.
Monday, April 7, 2014
A Copa do Mundo & its effects
It is a fact that Brazil has one of the most unequal income distributions in the world. Brazil like India has many slums with a growing population. I found an article about one of Brazil's notorious slums by Rio de Janeiro's international airport. Apparently, this particular slum is well known for its organized crime and very dangerous neighborhoods. It has also been affiliated with drug gangs. Now, we all know what is happening in Brazil this summer. THE WORLD CUP! (Go Spain!). Since the World Cup is happening this summer apparently Brazil has occupied this slum. According to the article, Brazil has sent thousands of soldiers in armed vehicles, trucks and on foot to this slum. Brazil is worried that there is going to be thousands of travels from all over the world and famous football players flying in and something could happen to them. Therefore they have occupied this slum near the airport. I personally think it is wrong. I understand that there is danger, however, that does not give the right to the government to invade people's home. What do you think?
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