Bond, Johanna E.

Honor as Property

Using the principles of property law, this article examines honour-based violence against women and the use of familial honour as social capital. The author suggests that societies around the world treat honour as intangible property that is collectively held by families, controlled by males, and dependent on female conformity to societal norms. Since females cause the value of honour property to fluctuate, males regulate their conduct and use violence to restore its value. Justice systems reinforce these practices by offering reduced punishment for honour

Culture, Dissent, and the State: The Example of Commonwealth African Marriage Law

The author argues that there should be greater state intervention in marriage, in particular, in the context of Commonwealth African states. Traditionally, customary law in many African nations restricts women's property rights and reproductive rights, and unequal power relations in the home can lead to gender-based violence. The author argues that the state has a dual obligation to promote equality and women's rights within intimate relationships, and these goals are best served by increased state regulation of marriage. The author argues that within the

International Intersectionality: A Theoretical and Pragmatic Exploration of Women's International Human Rights Violations

The author argues that the current United Nations (UN) and nongovernmental organizations systems do not allow for a human rights analysis which accounts for multiple forms of human rights abuses. The author uses "qualified universalism" to propose a new framework to reconceptualize human rights and restructure UN institutions and NGOs. The author begins by describing the development of the global women's human rights movement and feminist critiques of the international human rights movement.

Girls, HIV/AIDS and Education

This report, produced jointly by UNICEF and The Global Coalition on Women and AIDS, looks at growing rates of HIV/AIDS amongst young women and the link to issues of women's rights. The focus of the paper is the connection between a girl's level of education and her likelihood of being aware of HIV/AIDS as well as her likelihood of exercising safe practices to prevent infection. Various sets of data are included supporting these correlations. The paper emphasizes the importance of improving childhood education, particularly amongst girls, as a means of helping to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS.