An alarming trend that normalises sexual abuse has become known as ‘rape culture’, writes Janine Wan, 15, a Commonwealth Correspondent based in Melbourne, Australia. She says in some cases, the legal system and media are contributors to that unsavoury culture. One out of every six American women, and one out of every 33 American men, …

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Viewing images and videos that are known to be recorded and shared without the consent of those shown makes the viewer accessory to a criminal act, argues Alicia Wallace, 29, a Correspondent from Nassau, Bahamas. The internet, mobile devices, and social media brought significant changes to the creation and sharing of information. We need only …

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Sexual violence has no place in a democratic society, argues Laila Johnson-Salami, 20, a Correspondent from Ibadan in Nigeria, who outlines five steps aimed at eradicating rape culture. Sexual violence has become an increasingly prevalent act in Nigeria over the years. There has been little implementation of effective policies that treat sexual violence as a serious …

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Kiyara Matambanadzo, 16, a Correspondent from Harare in Zimbabwe, writes that more complex discussions about ‘rape’, ‘sexual assault’, and the meaning of ‘consent’ need to take place in the mainstream if change is to occur.  In today’s society there are few words more powerful than the word ‘rape’. Rape is an utterly horrifying and inexcusable …

“The meaning of the word ‘NO’” Read More »