Preventing hazardous child labour in agriculture Worldwide 215 million children are engaged in child labour, and of these 115 million are involved in what is considered to be hazardous work. Agriculture is the sector where the largest share of child labourers is found - a staggering 60 percent of boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 17. Today, much of our food and drink, as well as the raw material we use to make other products, are produced by child labour. Child labour in … [Read more...]
Uganda Remembers Its Heroes
June 8, 2011 by
Uganda Remembers Its Heroes Heroes’ Day Date: June 9 Heroes’ Day is a public holiday in Uganda. Uganda—also known as the Republic of Uganda—is a land-locked country which is located in East Africa. It is surrounded by Sudan to the north, Congo to the west, Kenya to the east, and Tanzania to the south. Like most other countries, Uganda too had to fight for its freedom and independence. In Uganda, Heroes’ Day is celebrated ever year on June 9. This is celebrated in memory of … [Read more...]
Women, Peace and Security Institute Established in Ghana
June 5, 2011 by
Women, Peace and Security Institute Established in Ghana Discussions on conflict and peacekeeping in Africa have often ignored the role of women. But this reality is gradually changing, as a growing body of activists, academics and policymakers bring women to the forefront of security agendas. As part of this movement, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana has established a Women, Peace and Security Institute to train students and leaders across the … [Read more...]
SWAZILAND: The Country with the World’s Highest HIV Prevalence Rate
May 27, 2011 by
My Visit to Swaziland: The Country with the World’s Highest HIV Prevalence Rate Last week, I wrote about my attendance at the PEPFAR annual meeting in South Africa, the country that has more people living with HIV (over 5 million) than any other country in the world. After this meeting, I visited the neighboring country of Swaziland, which has the unwelcome distinction of having the highest HIV and TB prevalence rates in the world. This part of my trip had special … [Read more...]
Africa – UN spotlights Women’s and Children’s health improving
May 26, 2011 by
In Africa, UN chief spotlights progress in improving women’s and children’s health 26 May 2011 Visiting health workers in Ethiopia today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spotlighted the progress made in improving the health of women and children, while also stressing the need to do more to avoid needless deaths. “We have seen so many women and children dying needlessly from preventable diseases,” Mr. Ban told reporters at the Ambo Mesk health post in Bahir Dar, in Ethiopia’s … [Read more...]
UNESCO to launch Global Partnership for Girls’ and Women’s Education
May 26, 2011 by
UNESCO to launch ... Global Partnership for Girls’ and Women’s Education © Ian Berry/MAGNUM photos/"Better life, better future" Initiative. A Global Partnership for Girls’ and Women’s Education will be launched at a high level forum to be held at UNESCO Headquarters on Thursday 26 May (13:30h Room I) UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova will welcome participants to the event, followed by opening remarks from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and United States Secretary … [Read more...]
Food For Thought …
May 21, 2011 by
Food for Thought ... The world produces enough food for everyone. (..) School meals, therefore, don’t only tackle hunger and nutrition; they benefit education, gender inequality and broader development issues (..). The idea is so simple, but hugely effective and the World Programme (WTP) knows this: it is the biggest provider of school meals in the world, and in 2008 it fed 22.6 million children across 68 countries in the developing world. The world produces enough food for … [Read more...]
UN- Say NO–UNiTE Celebrates the Two Million Mark!
May 10, 2011 by
Say NO–UNiTE has crossed two million actions in just 18 months, marking two million signs of commitment to ending violence against women and girls. People from all over the world have added their actions. Together, they showcase the growing global community of people dedicated to stopping one of the most pervasive violations of women’s rights. It is time to highlight some noteworthy recent actions to celebrate how much is being achieved – and gain hope and new resources for how much more we can … [Read more...]
Uganda – Death Penalty for GAYS: Emma Ruby-Sachs
May 10, 2011 by
In 48 hours, Uganda could pass a law that imposes the death penalty for homosexuality. An international outcry shelved this bill last year -- we urgently need to ramp up the pressure to press President Museveni to stand up for human rights and stop this brutal law. Sign below, and tell everyone: In 48 hours, the Ugandan Parliament may vote on a brutal new law that carries the death penalty for homosexuality. Thousands of Ugandans could face execution -- just for being gay.We've helped stop … [Read more...]
UNFPA: Statement by Ms. Purnima Mane, Deputy Executive Director
May 6, 2011 by
Calling for Greater Attention to Family Planning “Family Planning: Key to Saving Lives” Statement by Ms. Purnima Mane, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director (Programme), at Commission on Population and Development side-event; “Family Planning: Key to Saving Lives” " Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Colleagues and friends, Good afternoon and thank you for joining us today at this very important event. Seventeen years ago, in Cairo, 179 … [Read more...]
Democratic Republic of the Congo – Preventing HIV Infection
May 2, 2011 by
Democratic Republic of the Congo Preventing HIV Infection This week I am traveling in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country that, while facing many challenges, is home to families who are seeking to build a better future. Health is an important part of a better future for the DRC, and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is a key example of a health care service that can strengthen families and communities. PMTCT provides a triple benefit: in addition … [Read more...]
Holocaust Remembrance Day – May 1, 2011 – Yom Hashoah
April 30, 2011 by
Holocaust Remembrance Day May 1, 2011 Since the Holocaust, to survivors, the Holocaust remains real and ever-present; but, for some others, sixty years makes the Holocaust seem part of Ancient History. Year-round we try to teach and inform others about the horrors of the Holocaust. We confront the questions of what happened? How did it happen? How could it happen? Could it happen again? We attempt to fight against ignorance with education and against disbelief with proof. But … [Read more...]
UNDP – New Publication (pdf)- Grassroot Women’s Groups Taking Action!
April 26, 2011 by
http://in2eastafrica.net/arusha-to-host-2011-grassroots-womens-land-economy/ Changing Climate, Changing Leadership: Grassroots Women's Groups Model Climate Resilient Development http://womensearthalliance.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html Grassroots women leaders shared their local inovations to confront climate change in their communities last week in an event at the United Nations where they spoke alongside partners from the Norwegian and Guatemalan governments as … [Read more...]
