Structure

Half the Sky by Kristof and WuDunn is organized into categories of abuse, inequality and mistreatment that women in developing nations currently suffer from. The first topic covered is described by the author as modern-day slavery. There is focus on the kidnapping and sex trafficking of women and children in parts of Africa and Asia. The authors draw attention to the rampant prostitution in these areas, particularly forced prostitution and the inherent health risks that exist in this environment.

The authors write about the “new abolitionists,” comparing the current day slaves with slaves of the past. Kristof and WuDunn describe how rape and other abuses are crimes used to intimidate women into remaining silent and repressed. Honor killings and bride burnings are covered as punishment usually for what is perceived as sexual misbehavior. The authors write about the mounting problem of maternal morality. The death rate of...