A First Look at ‘Half the Sky’

An excerpt from Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s forthcoming book, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, is up at the New York Times. It begins:

In the 19th Century, the paramount moral challenge was slavery. In the 20th century, it was totalitarianism. In this century, it is the brutality inflicted on so many women and girls around the globe: sex trafficking, acid attacks, bride burnings and mass rape.

You likely recognize Kristof’s name from his dogged reporting on women and trafficking around the world, rape in the Congo, and so many other issues facing poor women throughout the globe. I have to admit that I sometimes find his style repetitive, and therefore not as effective as I believe it could be, but I’m thrilled that he’s calling attention to these issues (and has been with such precious column inches). It’s cool that he and his partner collaborated to put this book together, as well.
I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but wanted everyone to be aware that’s it has launched, along with a couple of interesting contests that feministing readers may want to enter.

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