Women This Week: Kazakhstan Establishes Women’s Police Stations

Women-Led Police Stations Provide Women Protection from Violence 

To combat increasing levels of violence against women, Kazakhstan is introducing women-led police stations throughout the country. These stations will provide a safe, protective space for victims of gender-based violence. In the last few years, the number of inspectors dedicated to working with women who have experienced violence has doubled, with over 280 female investigators now in place. The chair of the lower house of parliament, Yerlan Koshanov, emphasized the need to also focus on efforts that prevent violence from occurring in the first place. “...The distorted idea of complete male dominance in the family must become a thing of the past. It is necessary to instill the right values in the minds of the younger generation from school, form a legal culture among the population, show intolerance to any manifestations of domestic vandalism, and strictly follow the rules of law and order,” he said.  

Emerging Reports on Sexual Violence Committed by Hamas During October 7 Attack 

Witnesses and medical experts have provided shocking accounts of sexual violence perpetrated against Israeli women, girls, and men during the October 7 attack by Hamas. Israeli officials and others are working to investigate these crimes and gather evidence. Israeli Police have been interviewing witnesses and released hostages, as well as compiling evidence from body cameras of Hamas fighters. Tragically, there is limited survivor testimony as many of the victims are believed to have been killed after the assaults. Israeli officials and others have criticized the United Nations for failing to forcefully speak out against the atrocities. “Any accounts of sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence on Oct. 7 are of great concern and should be investigated urgently, in a way that is thorough, credible and centered on survivors’ well-being,” Heather Barr, the associate director of Human Rights Watch’s women’s rights division, said. “Victims have a right to justice and accountability.” 

Indigenous Women Save Tribe From Extinction 

Indigenous women in Brazil’s Amazonas state are leading efforts to save the Juma tribe from extinction. Before the last male member of the tribe—Aruka Juma—died in 2021, he urged his three daughters to assume leadership of the patriarchal society. Today, despite being on the brink of extinction, the Juma has made a comeback with the first woman chief in this part of the Amazon. One of the sisters, Mandeí Juma became the first chief, only recently stepping down so that her older sister Boreá could assume the role. “Because we were few, people didn’t recognize us, didn’t respect us,” she said. “There had never been a woman leader before, and then people came to tell me, ‘You shouldn’t have assumed it because you’re a woman.’” Since being led by women, the Juma people have challenged patrilineal traditions among Indigenous Brazilians and worked to preserve their indigenous language.