How Not to Write About Africa

PCVs May Finally Get Coverage

 

Sexual harassment and unwanted advances are a huge, daily problem for female volunteers in Cameroon.  Being grabbed or having obscene things shouted as you walk by is inescapable and something you’re advised to “ignore,” “just deal with,” or “grow a thicker skin” about – the attitude, and sometime literal advice is, if you “can’t handle it,” you should “go home.”  Gender discrimination in workplaces is also often a daily reality and struggle.  Treating women like property or objects isn’t “culture,” it’s wrong.  Further denying women choices about what happens after their choice has been taken away is also wrong.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2014/06/24/abortion_coverage_for_peace_corps_volunteers_who_are_raped_goes_to_a_full.html