Five key moments in the assault on the rights of women and girls in 2025

The GuardianTuesday, December 16, 2025 at 12:00:51 PM
Five key moments in the assault on the rights of women and girls in 2025
  • Since the beginning of Trump's second term in January 2025, global healthcare, particularly in sexual and reproductive health, has faced significant challenges due to a series of executive orders aimed at overwhelming organizations and creating confusion. This has led to a freeze on USAID funding, exacerbating the situation for women's rights advocates.
  • The actions taken by the US administration are critical as they not only impact domestic policies but also have far-reaching consequences for global women's rights initiatives, leaving organizations struggling to adapt and respond to the sudden changes.
  • The political landscape is marked by a growing discontent, as seen in the shifting dynamics within the UK political parties, while the Labour government's approach to tackling violence against women has faced severe criticism, suggesting a broader trend of inadequate responses to women's rights issues across different administrations.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
Trump signs order to reclassify marijuana, ease research restrictions
PositiveWorld Affairs
Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana, directing the US attorney general to expedite federal reclassification and reduce barriers for research studies. This marks a significant shift in U.S. drug policy, aligning cannabis with substances like Tylenol with codeine, a change not seen since 1971.
ICE meets snow as midwesterners fight back against Trump immigration raids
NegativeWorld Affairs
In Minnesota and Illinois, residents have been confronting federal agents from ICE with snowballs as a form of protest against aggressive immigration raids targeting local communities. Videos have emerged showing these confrontations, where federal agents often respond with force, including pepper spray and teargas, escalating tensions in the area.
Trump expands access to cannabis in a major shift in drug policy
PositiveWorld Affairs
Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reclassifying cannabis to the same category as Tylenol with codeine, marking a significant shift in U.S. drug policy that has not seen such a change since 1971.
How dangerous is the US standoff with Venezuela?
NegativeWorld Affairs
The United States has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean, particularly targeting Venezuela, as President Trump ramps up pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime. This includes the recent seizure of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, which Trump confirmed as part of a broader strategy to undermine Maduro's government.
Trump proposes new rules to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth
NegativeWorld Affairs
The Trump administration has proposed new regulations aimed at banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth, labeling such treatments as 'sex-rejecting procedures.' This initiative will prevent Medicaid from covering essential services like puberty blockers and hormone therapies for minors, raising significant concerns among healthcare advocates and experts.
Pope’s naming of New York archbishop signals continued challenge to Trump on immigration
NegativeWorld Affairs
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Ronald Hicks, the current bishop of Joliet, Illinois, as the new archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan. This decision signals the Vatican's ongoing opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies, particularly in light of Hicks' previous condemnation of ICE raids.
Trump Ups Pressure on Venezuela but Repeatedly Shifts the Rationale
NeutralWorld Affairs
President Trump is intensifying military pressure on Venezuela, recently confirming the U.S. military's seizure of an oil tanker off its coast, which marks a significant escalation in the ongoing campaign against President Nicolás Maduro's government. Despite this escalation, Trump has not clearly endorsed regime change, leaving his ultimate intentions ambiguous.
Facebook tests charging users to share links in potential blow for news outlets
NegativeWorld Affairs
Facebook is testing a new system that charges users for sharing web links, limiting those without a paid Meta Verified subscription to just two external links per month. This trial raises concerns among news organizations that rely on social media for content distribution, as it could significantly hinder their reach and engagement.

Ready to build your own newsroom?

Subscribe to unlock a personalised feed, podcasts, newsletters, and notifications tailored to the topics you actually care about