UN Women Signs Agreement to Empower Women Representatives in Odisha State of India Bhubaneshwar—A single, Dalit woman from the tribal Gajpati district in Odisha, Sochara Karzi has made great strides since her appointment as a sarpanch (head of village council). She has ensured that almost 4000 farmers got free maize seeds, 200 people received jobs cards under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 500 acres of land were planted with mango trees, 3000 … [Read more...]
Brazil-Canada, President Rousseff & Prime Minister Harper Taking Action!
August 8, 2011 by
Brazil-Canada joint statement August 8, 2011 Brasília, Brazil At the invitation of President Dilma Rousseff, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is making an Official Visit to Brazil from August 7 to 9, 2011. The two leaders held a productive exchange of views today, August 8, in Brasilia, and reaffirmed that Canada and Brazil will enhance their bilateral partnership based on common objectives of enhancing and promoting democracy, human rights, social inclusion and … [Read more...]
Iran: Free Journalist Hangameh Shahidi
July 27, 2011 by
Hengameh Shahidi has been in detention for 2 years, just because she spoke her mind. Tell the government of Iran to free Hengameh » Hengameh is an Iranian journalist and human rights activist. She was arrested in June 2009 following demonstrations in Iran around the contested presidential election. She admitted to participating in the protests as a journalist, and thus was sentences to six years in prison. Hengameh was not "gathering and colluding with intent to harm state security" or … [Read more...]
“Son preference” Perpetuates Discrimination/Violations of Women’s Rights
June 16, 2011 by
14 June 2011 Five United Nations agencies have banded together to call for urgently addressing gender-biased sex selection favouring boys, a common practice in many parts of South, East and Central Asia that they say fuels a culture of discrimination and violence. "Sex selection in favour of boys is a symptom of pervasive social, cultural, political and economic injustices against women, and a manifest violation of women's human rights," says a statement issued by the agencies, which have … [Read more...]
Reform to Reality: Empowerment of Women in the Middle East
June 16, 2011 by
Reform to Reality: Empowerment of Women in the Middle East Speech delivered by UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet at a lunch event hosted by the governments of the United States, Tunisia, Canada, Colombia, Jordan, the Maldives and Norway, titled “Women’s Political Participation in the Middle East,” held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, 10 June 2011. [Check against delivery.] I thank our hosts — the US, Tunisia, Canada, Colombia, Jordan, the Maldives and Norway — … [Read more...]
ACTION FOR GENDER EQUITY
June 12, 2011 by
ACTION FOR GENDER EQUITY A Woman's Equality is a Human Right In preparation for the Beijing Conference on Women - Action for Equality, Development and Peace - in September 1995, an informal group launched "Action for Gender Equality" for the purpose of encouraging broad-based participation in advancing gender equality around the world. Preparations for the upcoming meeting have been difficult; there are dangers of public misperceptions about gender equality; progress achieved at the Cairo … [Read more...]
NEPAL: Women in Chhuaupadi – ADELE BUTLER
May 27, 2011 by
Nepali Women and Girls Isolated During Menstruation On the Violence is Not Our Culture site, I read about a ritual practice in Nepal called Chhuaupadi pratha which can cause prolonged depression and even death among girls and women. “Chhau” means menstruation and “padi” – woman. It is a ritual which banishes girls and women during their menstruation. It is dangerous because it also isolates women during and after childbirth. These women are banished fro up to eleven days away from … [Read more...]
Amnesty International Annual Report 2011 – United Kingdom
May 22, 2011 by
Amnesty International Annual Report 2011 - United Kingdom Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II Head of government: David Cameron (replaced Gordon Brown in May) Death penalty: abolitionist for all crimes Population: 61.9 million Life expectancy: 79.8 years Under-5 mortality (m/f): 6/6 per 1,000 An inquiry into allegations of UK involvement in torture and other human rights violations of people held overseas was announced. Key counter-terrorism powers were under review. The … [Read more...]
Religion, Politics and Gender Equality
May 20, 2011 by
Religion, Politics and Gender Equality Research and Policy Brief: 11 Code: RPB 11 Contrary to modernist predictions that religion would retreat into a private zone of worship and practice, recent decades have seen religion become increasingly salient on the political stage worldwide. Does this matter? From the point of view of women’s rights and gender equality, much is at stake. UNRISD research shows that politicized religion impinges on women’s rights in problematic ways. The … [Read more...]
China Deserves Uncensored Internet
May 14, 2011 by
Thousands of police patrol the Internet in China- but their job isn't to keep people safe. Instead, they are tasked with censoring content, monitoring dissent and waging of campaign of pro-China propaganda across web forums. And these are just some of the tactics used by the Chinese government to suppress dissent online. Censoring the Internet has serious implications for human rights. That's why we are calling on China to guarantee this right to its citizens » China is in the midst of the … [Read more...]
The International Day Against Homophobia – May 17, 2011
May 14, 2011 by
International Day Against Homophobia May 17 marks the 8th International Day Against Homophobia . As a gay man, this day allows me to reflect on the effect of homophobia and the way it intersects with HIV/AIDS. I want to remember that the impact of homophobia can lead to HIV risk-taking behaviors. Homophobia may keep people from getting information about HIV, and it may keep them from getting tested, or seeking the treatment and support services they need. I want to remember David … [Read more...]
Michelle Bachelet wins eNEWS, Newsmaker of the Decade Award
May 10, 2011 by
Newsmaker of the Decade Award "I am especially pleased to be here with so many outstanding leaders, who have brought attention to issues that otherwise might go unnoticed. You offer inspiration to all of us seeking to empower those who are most vulnerable. As the first head of UN Women, I have pledged to champion the rights of women and girls in all of these areas — including ending violence against women and girls and promoting their leadership in all fields. In creating UN Women, … [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...]
The STIGMA must Stop with HIV/AIDS
May 4, 2011 by
It is a Civil Right to Live Free from Discrimination on the Basis of HIV/AIDS Status When the Attorney General, Eric H. Holder, Jr., signed the Justice Department’s operational plan (PDF 354 KB) for implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, he underscored the Department’s leadership role in eradicating discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS. The Civil Rights Division has significant enforcement authority over the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the … [Read more...]
