KAMPALA, September 2012 (PlusNews) - The government of Uganda has launched the UN World Health Organization's (WHO) "Option B+" to boost the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT). Uganda currently uses a PMTCT system similar to WHO's Option A, which involves single-dose antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for the mother - if her CD4 count, a measure of immune strength, is over 350 - from the 14th week, as well as ARVs during labour, delivery and one week post-partum. Pregnant women … [Read more...]
Real change, lasting solutions empowering women involve engaging men ..
Empowering women through access to family planning means that mothers and infants are healthier, families are more financially stable, and communities are stronger. Although family planning has traditionally been a gender-based issue, it’s not too hard to realize why improving access to women’s health care, especially reproductive health care, is in everyone’s interest. That is why UNFPA has become a strong proponent of engaging males in the family planning process. “Real change and … [Read more...]
SOUTH AFRICA: The (re)making of men
JOHANNESBURG, September 2012 (PlusNews) - Manhood might be hard to define but South African media make it even harder, according to editors of a new book, who argue that negative coverage of men is doing more harm than good, especially when it comes to HIV. Now they are looking to rewrite masculinity in a country that ranks among the most gender inequitable in the world. (Un)covering Men: Rewriting Masculinity and Health in South Africa is a compilation of works by journalism fellows through … [Read more...]
Black Girls Ignite Africa – Award Dinner & 2 Day Workshop – Sept 29/30th
BLACK GIRLS IGNITE Africa! Inc. is dedicated to the empowerment, encouragement, celebration and healthy development of young and older African women and girls. We are also dedicated to empowering and honouring exceptional girls and women around Africa who stand as inspirational and positive role models; also empowering women across the globe, BLACK GIRLS IGNITE Africa! September 29th-30th 2012 Location: Avenue Banquet 1600 Steeles Avenue WEst Concord, On … [Read more...]
Spiritual Pilgrimage Anyone? – 9 Sacred Sites you won’t believe!
'... truly beyond belief' If you’re looking for a truly off-the-beaten path adventure with a spiritual side, few destinations rival these sacred sites. A combination of architectural marvels and temples built by eccentric orders, the spiritual sanctuaries in this feature are truly beyond belief. 1] The Temple Where Rats Rule The Karni Mata Temple in India has something every wandering soul seeking spiritual fulfillment yearns for: thousands and thousands of rats. Considered the … [Read more...]
United Republic of Tanzania tackles mother-to-child transmission of HIV
NJOMBE REGION, United Republic of Tanzania, – A group of HIV-infected mothers and their partners have formed a mothers’ support group attached to their local health clinic in Kitulo Ward, Makete District, United Republic of Tanzania. Members of the group give psychosocial support to one another and assist HIV-positive women to follow up with their medical check-ups and treatment. The group also provides information to the community about preventing mother-to-child transmission … [Read more...]
World Urban Forum 6 – Naples Italy, 1-7 September 2012
World Urban Forum 6 Naples, Italy, 1-7 September 2012 Host / Sponsor: UN-Habitat and Partners The World Urban Forum was established by the United Nations to examine one of the most pressing problems facing the world today: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies. In the space of a few short years, the Forum has turned into the world's premier conference on cities. Since the first meeting in … [Read more...]
Africa and “sisterhoods” formed to provide a common voice to women
JOHANNESBURG, August 2012 (IRIN) - Boys learning new ideas of masculinity around campfires in rural Africa and “sisterhoods” formed to provide a common voice to women are starting to change attitudes about African women farmers, say the authors of a forthcoming book about gender and agriculture. But it will take many more such efforts to support women food producers, who make up 43 percent of the agricultural labour force in developing countries. In some countries, that number rises to 70 to 80 … [Read more...]
Papua New Guinea’s newest parliamentarians, a time for women
... a time for Women in Papua New Guinea Since Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975, none of its parliaments have comprised more than 2 per cent of women. Efforts to address traditional attitudes in the country and support women candidates and voters have shown signs of impact, yet the political landscape for women remains a tough one. In an interview with UN Women, two of the three women members of parliament (MPs) elected in the July 2012 polls detail the challenges they … [Read more...]
DES Tragedy ** Mothers, Daughters, Sons, 3rd Generation and Beyond, Transgender
Many women across the world have been involved in keeping the message of the DES Tragedy alive. We provide education to the DES Exposed, provide resources for patients to bring to their doctors and continue to push for research. We welcome everyone from the DES community -- Mothers, Daughters, Sons, 3rd Generation and Beyond, Transgender, and family and friends of DES-exposed -- as well as those interested in learning more. Description The DES tragedy of in-utero exposure and … [Read more...]