The Death of Rebecca Cheptegei

 

Ugandan Rebecca Cheptegei was killed by her ex-boyfriend. She was set on fire. These acts of domestic violence and violence against women are too common. Cheptegei was buried with military honors. She was a former service member. She leaves behind her children. The Ugandan  government has stated it will provide funds to her family. The details surrounding the murder demonstrates the inadequacy of law enforcement. Rebecca Cheptegei  approached police three times about the threats to her life. Uganda and Kenya are experiencing a surge in violence directed at women. Police either do not care or ignore alerts. Law enforcement is never held accountable for failure or inefficiency. Female athletes could be targets of violent men who do not like strong women. Then exploitation and violence could be related to economic conditions. Men may target female athletes drawn to their higher incomes. The desire to control them would be a means of attain more money than what local employment could provide. Kenya and Uganda still struggle to reach a higher level of economic development. So far, new legislation has not been introduced to counter the murders of women. A consistent pattern has emerged. Rebecca Cheptegei was only 33 years old. A life was cut short, when there was so much more to accomplish. The murder is not just effecting Uganda and Kenya. Across the African continent a new concern about women's safety has emerged.   

A Total of 5,250 Women Will Compete In The 2024 Paris Olympics Games

 

According to the number of registered athletes, a total of 5,250 women will be competing. Based on the IOC data this marks the first time the Olympics has reached gender parity. When the modern Olympics began in 1896 women were mostly excluded. During the 20th century, ,more women participated. Barriers were bein g removed so that women could compete. While this is welcomed news sex discrimination remains. The testosterone regulation remains in place. Transwomen can compete in the Olympics, but the IOC has left guidelines to individual global sports federations. That means a transwoman can still be banned from competing for a place on an Olympic team of their own country. Transgender athletes  were allowed to compete in the Olympics beginning in 2004. The disgraceful practice of sex verification tests continued until 1999. However, it still can be done on the condition of questionable gender identity. Intersexed athletes are subjected to discriminatory treatment. The testosterone regulation for female athletes could be designated as another form of sex verification. These policies undermine women's advancement in international sports competition. Then discrimination based on national origin is apparent. Belarusian women are not going to compete because of their nation's alliance with Russia. Belarus has not engaged in combat in Ukraine. The contradictory measure becomes more obvious when not punishment will be done for Israel. The Gaza War has killed more civilians than Hamas. Countries like Afghanistan refuse to send female athletes. While the number of women has increased,  the are not coming from every nation. To sustain progress, women are going to have to get leadership positions in the IOC.