Tajikistan, rural women gain business skills and independence through self-help groups “I earn money and it makes me happy,” says Anjira Ashurova, a 46-year-old woman who lives in the small village of Shahraki Somoniyon in Sughd Province, northern Tajikistan. “I spend it on my basic needs and those of my children. I feel strong. I learned new skills and am practicing them in my daily life. I enjoy my work and the most important thing is that I enjoy working as a team. We support each … [Read more...]
Syrian refugees to reach 4 million by the end of 2013
UNITED NATIONS, Istanbul/Amman/New York — Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, will be visiting refugee camps in Turkey and Jordan to underscore the urgent needs of women and youth affected by the crisis in Syria. There are currently over 1 million registered Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt and other countries. More than 400,000 people have become refugees since 1 January 2013 alone. Out of the 4 million people … [Read more...]
Ban Ki-Moon speaks with Malala!
As of 5 April, only 1,000 days remain until the end of the 2015 target date for achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The eight MDGs – which range from halving extreme poverty to promoting gender equality to providing universal primary education by the target date of 2015 – form an internationally agreed blueprint which countries and leading development institutions have signed onto. Since their adoption in 2000, the MDGs have made a huge difference, helping to set global and … [Read more...]
Women & Children deaths pose ‘serious concern’ – Take Action!
Afghan children at play. Photo: UNAMA/Aurora Verceles Alambra April 2013 – The United Nations today voiced “serious concern” over the deaths of at least 10 Afghan children and a woman, and injuries to seven others in an armed clash during a joint Afghan-NATO operation against the Taliban in eastern Kunar province. “The Afghan National Security Forces and the international military forces should take all measures aimed at preventing harm to civilians during military operations, including … [Read more...]
Global Mom Relay is passing the baton to Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves
Thank you for joining us in the first part of the Global Mom Relay! It’s been filled with true wisdom, that has inspired tangible action. Stories from Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, Melinda Gates, and others have highlighted the urgent need to improve the health of women and children around the globe. Every time you shared one of these stories through Facebook, Twitter or email, Johnson & Johnson and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donated $5 to Girl … [Read more...]
Syria’s Unseen Crisis: Women Face Rape, Insecurity, Poverty
Syria's Unseen Crisis: Displaced Women Face Rape, Insecurity, Poverty In the past week, the Syrian refugee crisis has grabbed headlines around the world as the number of Syrians who have had to seek asylum abroad reached one million. But there is another, less-discussed displacement crisis unfolding inside Syria. Syria’s internally displaced population passed the two million-mark months ago – by some estimates, there are more than three million Syrians uprooted within their country, most … [Read more...]
BEDTIME … parenting means Taking Action!
BEDTIME :( ... parenting means Taking Action! Being a parent means helping a child learn and grow, teaching him to make good decisions and instilling healthy lifestyle habits so that one day he will become an independent, self-sufficient adult. This requires affection, discipline, consistency and dedication on the part of the parent. In order for children to be healthy and reach their full potential, they need adequate sleep. Still, getting kids to hit the hay without a struggle can be one of … [Read more...]
How to be an Advocate for Your Sick Child
When your child is sick, you’re naturally focused on helping her get better and managing the implications of an illness. For most parents, the doctors and nurses in charge of your child’s medical care are seen as steadfast allies. When medical care goes wrong or school administrators aren’t willing to work with your child during an extended absence, you’ll be forced to act not only as a caregiver and comforter for your child, but also an advocate for her. Trust Your Own Instincts As a … [Read more...]