Specialists in sexual and reproductive health say that gynecological violence is a form of violence with many varied expressions, from unnecessary procedures, the pathologization of physiological processes, medical misinformation and maltreatment, aggressive practices that provoke harm and injuries, and even inappropriate and violating comments like those that both women heard — all of which are experienced during gynecological care beyond pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium.

The “love jihad” bill is yet another attempt by Hindu nationalists to demean and malign the Muslim population by portraying Muslim men as sexual predators who commit jihad by converting Hindu women to Islam.

While protests have seen unprecedented participation by young women, they have also been mired by sexual and gender-based violence against young women by the police. It is time for the international community to heed the call of Hong Kong-based activists and hold the government to account for this human rights crisis.

The conflict-torn Himalayan valley has seen a surge in mental health cases since the abrogation of the autonomous status of the region, with women among the most distressed.