DUBAI, May 2013 (IRIN) - In the 1980s, the UN says, Iraqi Women enjoyed more basic rights than other women in the region. But years of dictatorship, sanctions and conflict, including the US-led invasion one decade ago, led to deterioration in women’s status. “Across the board, women are suffering more [than they used to],” said Sudipto Mukerjee, deputy head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq. Despite steps taken towards gender equality since 1990, Iraqi women today do not … [Read more...]
One-Stop Crisis Centre responding to Violence Against Women, Thailand
April 20, 2013 by
April 2013 – The launch of Thailand’s pioneering One-Stop Crisis Centre by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on 9 April reinforces the continuing efforts to respond to and prevent violence against women and girls after Thailand joined UN Women’s newest global initiative, COMMIT. UN Women Regional Director Roberta Clarke (wearing black) congratulates Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the launch of the 1,300 mobile units. Photo credit: UN Women/Montira Narkvichien The One Stop … [Read more...]
Policy for domestic workers, ”a matter of urgency” says ILO
April 10, 2013 by
Domestic workers in India have more than doubled in number since 2005. Talking to BBC World News, ILO's, Tine Staermose stressed the importance of policies aimed at protecting a very vulnerable section of the society. India's domestic workers are considered to ''uphold the economy'', with a rising population of over 10 million. Making decent work a reality for domestic workers worldwide: Domestic workers comprise a significant part of the global workforce in informal employment … [Read more...]
Maasai, ‘They’re kicking us off our land to hunt lions!’
April 6, 2013 by
We are elders of the Maasai from Tanzania, one of Africa’s oldest tribes. The government has just announced that it plans to kick thousands of our families off our lands so that wealthy tourists can use them to shoot lions and leopards. The evictions are to begin immediately. Last year, when word first leaked about this plan, almost one million Avaaz members rallied to our aid. Your attention and the storm it created forced the government to deny the plan, and set them back months. But the … [Read more...]
Mary Robinson marks a historic first as UN Special Envoy
March 28, 2013 by
UN WOMEN - Michelle Bachelet welcomes the appointment of Mary Robinson, as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region of Africa As Ireland’s first woman President and the first female UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson’s passionate commitment to gender equality and human dignity led to major breakthroughs for women’s lives worldwide. I have no doubt that as the 'first woman' to be appointed as a UN Special Envoy, Ms. Robinson will continue to make … [Read more...]
Afro Peruvian Women – Remarkable!
March 27, 2013 by
The UN Information Centre (UNIC) Lima organized a presentation of the essay "Black Woman, slave resistance" by Zelmira Aguilar to commemorate the International Day Remembering Victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Zelmira Aguilar cited the black woman as leading the fight to liberate mid-nineteenth century slaves. During her investigations, she uncovered achievements of black women during the time of slavery that were almost unimaginable, such as the reduction of working hours during … [Read more...]
Libyan Women Taking Action for Leadership
March 23, 2013 by
One of the challenges facing Libya as it builds democracy following the fall of the Muammar Qadhafi regime is the reform of the security sector.[ wananchi wa Libya washerehekea] The Voice of Libyan Women is celebrating at our Women’s Center in Zawia today for an event for Mother & Children of Martyrs. Please come and join us in the celebration starting at 2:30 PM. The event is for women and children only.There is a contest for the best poem and art piece representing “The Power of Women.” The … [Read more...]
