Poor Maternal Health

Why is giving birth sometimes more dangerous in developing countries? Why have fistulas become almost unknown in the western world? Why do women die in childbirth? Why does it seem easier to invest in vaccines for children?

Forced Prostitution

In chapter one, we read about Meena, a young woman in India who was forced into prostitution when she was 8 or 9 years old. She attempts to and escapes many times, only to be brought back to brothel. She had to initially leave her children there until she could rescue them. What keeps women dependent of the brothel owners? Why was Meena a success? What would you do if you were asked to go there and solve this problem?

In some countries, rape plays a role in shaping women’s lives. Why is rape so rarely reported?

Lack of Education

Educating girls has many benefits beyond the fact that a society needs educated individuals. List three barriers to a women’s education in the developing world and three benefits to educating women.

Fall 2010 Discussion

Please join in the online discussion on “Half the Sky” each week. Beginning September 13 and every Monday following until November 8th, we’ll pose a discussion question on the First Year Book website. We’ll spend three weeks discussing each of the following book topics: the problem, the issues, and the solutions.

Instructors may wish to give assign credit to students for participation.

New year, new book!

Half the Sky is coming to the University of Maryland. Stay tuned for this coming year's events posted on our website http://fyb.umd.edu, and suggest a book-related activity or event in the comments!