Ghalfa, the Sudanese word describing a girl who has not had her genitals ritually cut, carries connotations of impurity, promiscuity, even prostitution. For many years, the social stigma attached to this word helped keep female genital mutilation or cutting alive in Sudan. Despite efforts to end the practice, prevalence among young girls has declined only slightly from 92 per cent in 1990 to 89 per cent in 2006, the latest year for which data is available. But reframing the conversation about … [Read more...]
WORLD REFUGEE DAY – June 20th
June 20, 2012 by
"We must work together to mobilize the political will and leadership to prevent and end the conflicts that trigger refugee flows. [...] Despite budget constraints everywhere, we must not turn away from those in need. Refugees leave because they have no choice. We must choose to help." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Theme for 2012: Refugees have no choice. You do. THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S REFUGEES 2012 - "In Search of Solidarity" For years, many countries and regions have been … [Read more...]
Lorre White , ‘Capture China’s Consumers, Capture China’s Women’
June 20, 2012 by
Capture China’s Consumers, Capture China’s Women Mogujie is a Pinterest-like site popular with women in China As I watched China successfully launch the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft last week, carrying the country’s first-ever female astronaut, Liu Yang, I couldn’t help from thinking that China has come a long way in terms of improving gender equality. Though it’s still a work in progress, it might come as a shock that when I was born, some people were a little disappointed because I … [Read more...]
UNFPA is Taking Action in Shaanxi, China!
June 19, 2012 by
ONE-CHILD POLICY Shaanxi, China—Governmentofficials forced Feng Jianmei, who was 7 months pregnant with her second daughter, to undergo an abortion ten days ago. Five family planning officials abducted Ms. Feng on June 2nd while her husband, Deng Jiyuan, was away at work. When she could not pay the fine of 40,000 RMB ($6,270), they forcibly aborted her daughter. “Feng Jianmei’s story demonstrates how the One-Child Policy continues to sanction violence against women every day,” said … [Read more...]
THAILAND: POLICE CADETS as CHANGE AGENTS
June 17, 2012 by
(NAKHON PATHOM, Thailand, June 2012) – Thai police cadets today embark on the first-ever training on ending violence against women and girls to increase their knowledge on the nature, extent, and seriousness on crimes perpetrated against women and show commitment as change agent towards ending the global pandemic. Following the advocacy to end violence against women supported by Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, the Office of the Attorney … [Read more...]
Family Planning Summit could mark turning point for maternal health
June 12, 2012 by
Family Planning Summit Could Mark Turning Point for Maternal Health Executive Director talks about links between family planning and maternal health More than 200 million women, largely in the least developed countries, want to use modern family planning methods but can't access them. They may face cultural barriers or family resistance. Contraceptives may not be available in their communities or they may not have the money to buy them, or there is a lack of information or trained … [Read more...]
PAKISTAN – Death Sentence for ‘women dancing at wedding’, Navi Pillay is appaulled!
June 8, 2012 by
The death sentence imposed on five women in Pakistan for allegedly dancing at a wedding has been condemned by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay. "Pakistan must boost its efforts to protect the human rights of its citizens said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights at the end of her visit to the country on Thursday. During her four day mission, Navi Pillay met with Pakistani leaders and pressed for reforms. The High Commissioner is calling on the Government to pass … [Read more...]
UN Women working towards a sustainable future
June 7, 2012 by
Women play a central role in advancing sustainable development. Everyday women take decisions that impact sustainable development—be it the use of land, water, energy, or forests or through their contributions to their families and the economy. If they have equal access to resources and opportunities and are part of the decision-making processes, women can become drivers of sustainable development. In partnership with women, their communities, and grassroots organizations, UN Women supports many … [Read more...]
‘EveTeasing’ [euphemism-sexual harassment] lead Women to Commit Suicide
June 6, 2012 by
Sexual harassment in Bangladesh ... that led the government to declare June 13th "Eve Teasing Protection Day." Sexual harassment in Bangladesh is driving women to commit suicide as a means of escape. According to local human rights groups 28 women committed suicide this year to escape frequent sexual harassment. Before killing themselves most of them wrote a note demanding an end to the sexual harassment known locally as ‘eve teasing’ where boys intercept girls on … [Read more...]
Saving Face Can’t Make You Safe – HIV and the AAPI Community
June 2, 2012 by
“Saving face can’t make you safe. “Talk about HIV—for me, for you, for everyone.” The slogan is reflective of how Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders need to embrace the growing concern of HIV in our communities. Judging by recent activities the efforts to educate the community about HIV is having an impact. On May 19, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders gathered at more than 20 community events for the 8th Annual National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. … [Read more...]
