Labour and social affair ministers from ten countries, the President of the EU Council, Richard Bruton, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor, and ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, discuss ways to support ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers. GENEVA - An informal meeting of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs took place alongside the 102nd International Labour Conference in Geneva. At this meeting, jointly organized by the ILO and … [Read more...]
Helene D. Gayle – WOMAN of ACTION™
A Celebration of Women™ is elated to Celebrate the Life of this powerful women leader. Devoting her life to bettering the lives of others, this woman has focused on HIV, TB, poverty and Women and Girls empowerment and rights, including leading the way for the Reproductive Health Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She has been called one of the top female leaders and global thinkers in the world. WOMAN of … [Read more...]
European Union and UN Women to fund initiatives for gender equality in Chile
Joint fund will support civil society projects to eliminate violence against women, foster women’s economic empowerment and promote women’s political participation and leadership Santiago, 14 June 2013 - The European Union and UN Women signed an agreement today establishing a joint fund to support projects from civil society organizations that promote gender equality in Chile. These projects will focus on three strategic areas: eliminating violence against women, women’s economic empowerment … [Read more...]
UNESCO trains Algerian media on gender-sensitive journalism
Sixty Algerian media professionals from the print press and the Algerian Public Service Broadcaster are taking part in training workshops, organized by the UNESCO Office in Rabat and the UNDP Office in Algeria. This event is being facilitated by experienced trainers from the journalism training centre, ESJ Pro Montpellier, and Algerian expert on media and gender equality, Ms Ghania Mouffok. The objective is to reinforce professional capacities of Algerian media to produce media content that … [Read more...]
“The Action Agenda for Sustainable Development”
“The Action Agenda for Sustainable Development” Under the leadership of Jeffrey Sachs (Director of the SDSN and head of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, which hosts the secretariat of the network), the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has issued the report, entitled “The Action Agenda for Sustainable Development”. This report is the result of collaboration between top scientists, technologists, businesses, and development specialist and is a critical input … [Read more...]
1993 Vienna Declaration was the Real Turning Point
Violence against women – the most pervasive expression of gender-based violence: Pillay "Violence against women is the most pervasive expression of gender-based discrimination", UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay told the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday during its annual full-day discussion on women's rights. Ms. Pillay said that before the 1990's, violence against women was still largely considered a private matter and not a human rights issue of concern to the … [Read more...]
Ripple Effect of protest in Turkey felt around the globe …
The 'ripple effect' from the protests springing up in Turkey is being felt across Europe. VIDEO HERE The heavy-handed policing seen in Ankara and Istanbul has prompted a show of solidarity across the diaspora, including Germany, with its significant Turkish population. The sentiment among those gathered outside the Turkish embassy in Berlin is clear. “The police were too violent with the demonstrators,” said Hakan Tas, a local councillor. “There is talk of a thousand injured, some … [Read more...]
VISION OF MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS BECOMING REALITY
IN REMARKS AT ‘ABSENCE’ EXHIBITION ON ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE VISION OF MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS BECOMING REALITY, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, to the opening of the “Absence” exhibit in New York on 28 May: Welcome to the United Nations. Thank you for this opportunity to attend the opening of this very important exhibit. The powerful images in this important exhibit tell a story of pain and heartbreak. But, … [Read more...]
Gender Pay Discrimination in Jordan: A Call for Change
The International Labour Organization is working with the Jordanian government and its social partners to help narrow the pay gap between men and women. "I only received a rise of around three per cent, while my male employees received seven per cent." AMMAN (ILO News) – When Amira*, a Jordanian schoolteacher, asked her principal for a pay rise, it was refused. A few months later she was fired. “The official reasons given for my dismissal were weak. I’m sure they wanted to … [Read more...]
“Afghanistan has to take its future in its own hands”
“Afghanistan has to take its future in its own hands” declares President Hamid Karzai President Hamid Karzai thanked the Director-General for UNESCO’s contribution to Afghanistan, notably in the fields of education and culture. “I congratulate you for your leadership to stand up for girls’ education. Through your initiative for Malala, I hope you will continue to speak up for the education of girls of Afghanistan and Pakistan”, which he defined as most challenging. Affirming that gender … [Read more...]
RAPE: Mali Sexual Assault Survivors – No Support, No Justice
Little support, no justice for Mali rape survivors GAO/BAMAKO, May 2013 (IRIN) - During the rebel takeover of northern Mali in April 2012, many women said they were subjected to rape or sexual assault. Since then, little or no support has come through for these women, say aid workers. Aminata Touré* was on her way to her uncle’s house in the city of Gao in June 2012 when she was stopped by two men on a motorbike. “I had no choice. They were armed and threatened to kill me,” she … [Read more...]