Views, events, and debates.

by Eleanor Kilroy Laws hold up a mirror to the societies that have created them. While laws can be progressive, and promote positive change, where they reflect values and culture that are inimical to the rights of women, they serve as a major obstacle to the attainment of gender equality. Here, we profile WLUML, a network organisation which works to challenge laws that discriminate against women, across the Muslim world. by Maddy Coy The growing presence of lap-dancing, pole-dancing, and strip clubs on the streets of many European towns has been met with dismay by many women, whose attempts to have them closed down have met with varying levels of success. In the summer of 2010, Iceland took the step of banning such clubs and in this piece Maddy Coy explores what lies behind this aspect of the sex industry, and why the ban is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]