Breaking the Cycle of Violence and HIV in Liberia “I was raped during the war by three men. I live with two stigmas: of rape and of HIV.” Although Benetta describes the situation of thousands of Liberian women, her determination to break the silence around these difficult issues, sets her apart. “Most women will not disclose their positive status because they will be blamed for bringing HIV in the home, and their partners will abandon them,” she explains. “If you are known … [Read more...]
YANG … a reflection on the Year of the Dragon
February 25, 2012 by
The Year 2012 is the 4709th Chinese year. The Chinese believe that the first king of China was the Yellow King (he was not the first emperor of China). The Yellow King became king in 2697 B.C., therefore China will enter the 4709th year on January 23, 2012. Also, the Chinese Year uses the cycle of 60 Stem-Branch counting systems and the Black Water Dragon is the 28th Stem-Branch in the cycle. Since (60 *78) + 29 = 4709, therefore 2012 is the Water Dragon year, which is the 4709th Chinese … [Read more...]
UN report, sexual violence during conflict, singles out worst offenders
February 24, 2012 by
Special Representative Margot Wallström presents the Secretary-General’s report on conflict-related sexual violence to the Security Council. UN Photo/JC McIlwaine The annual United Nations report documenting conflict-related sexual violence around the world today for the first time names some of the military forces, militia and other armed groups that are suspected of being among the worst offenders.The groups listed in the report include the Lord’s Resistance Army … [Read more...]
Women in Bolivia – Demands Heard,and Their Presence Felt
February 24, 2012 by
Rural Women in Bolivia Make Their Demands Heard, and Their Presence Felt They work around the clock, searching for firewood at dawn, lighting the morning fire, fetching water, growing and preparing food, caring for children and other family members — along with the endless other tasks and chores that keep a household running. Yet although these functioning households lie at the heart of Bolivian society, the contribution of rural women to the economy remains largely … [Read more...]
Lakshmi Puri, ‘Women in the World of Sports’
February 18, 2012 by
Women in the World of Sports Speech delivered by UN Women Deputy Executive Director Lakshmi Puri at the panel discussion on “Leadership Views on Women in the World of Sports,” at the 5th IOC World Conference on Women and Sport, Los Angeles, 17 February 2012. Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning to all of you. I would like to join other panellists in thanking the International Olympic Committee, the US Olympic Committee, and the Southern California Committee … [Read more...]
WOMEN globally talk about food insecurities in rural areas
February 17, 2012 by
Rural women speak out about food insecurity Today’s global food insecurity destabilizes rural communities all over the world, impeding their access to food and affecting their ability to earn a livelihood. In partnership with the Huairou Commission and WOCAN, FAO held a series of twenty one consultations with hundreds of women and men in Africa, Asia and Latin America to better understand the direct impacts of food security on their lives and those of their families. Today’s global food … [Read more...]
Women must be empowered to ‘create the future we want’
February 15, 2012 by
Women must be empowered to ‘create the future we want’ – Migiro Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro. UN Photo/JC McIlwaine February 2012 – United Nations Member States must boost economic empowerment for women to help them realize the global community’s common goals, Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro urged today, warning that gender discrimination around the world was still too widespread. “Too many countries still have discriminatory laws … [Read more...]
