April 2013 – Conflict-related sexual violence, horrific in itself, is also an impediment to national reconciliation and development, top United Nations officials told the Security Council at the start of a day-long debate, urging increased political and financial pressure on those who commit, command or condone sexual violence in war zones. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the 15-member Security Council that while preventing sexual violence is a primary responsibility of Governments, the … [Read more...]
Policy for domestic workers, ”a matter of urgency” says ILO
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...]
Monaco celebrates 20th Anniversary as UN Member with Ban
3 April 2013 – Ban Ki-moon today praised Monaco for its commitment to sustainable development and green growth during a first-of-its-kind visit for a Secretary-General, coinciding with the Principality’s 20th anniversary of membership in the United Nations. “You are helping to lead the world into a sustainable 21st century,” Mr. Ban said in a speech at the Museum of Oceanography, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. “Today from this magnificent setting, I issue a call to the world: I … [Read more...]
Mary Robinson marks a historic first as UN Special Envoy
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...]
Libyan Women Taking Action for Leadership
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...]
International Anti-Street Harassment Week, April 7-13
For the second consecutive year, The Women Worldwide Initiative (TWWI) is a co-sponsoring organization of International Anti-Street Harassment Week with Meet Us On the Street. From April 7-13, 2013, thousands of women and men across the United States and throughout the world in cities such as Cairo, Delhi, Istanbul, Montreal, Oslo, and Sana’a will participate in International Anti-Street Harassment Week to collectively raise awareness about gender-based street harassment. By collectively … [Read more...]
Bachelet celebrates Gratitude & Salutations, on her “stellar legacy.”
SECRETARY-GENERAL PRAISES ‘VISIONARY’ LEADERSHIP OF MICHELLE BACHELET, FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT BY UN-WOMEN CHIEF OF DEPARTURE The following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s statement on the announcement by Michelle Bachelet of her departure as Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women): "Ms. Michelle Bachelet has informed me of her intention to step down as Executive Director of UN-Women. I would like to … [Read more...]
Sweden joins ILO efforts on women’s employment in Turkey
The ILO and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) have signed a project cooperation agreement amounting to US$ 3.5 million to support women’s empowerment in Turkey, which is expected to contribute substantially to the goal of advancing gender equality in employment and providing decent employment opportunities for women. The agreement was signed on 1 March 2013 by Ümit Efendioğlu, Director of the ILO Office for Turkey, and Mikael Elofsson, SIDA’s Head of Division … [Read more...]