Sexual violence in conflict settings remains widespread and systematic, a by the United Nations Secretary-General found, fuelled by 鈥渞ising inequality, increased militarization, reduced civic space and the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons, among other factors.鈥 Conflict-related sexual violence 鈥 which includes assault, rape, forced marriage, trafficking, sexual slavery, forced sterilization, forced abortion other forms of sexual coercion 鈥 is used to instill fear, pain, suffering and censorship in its targets.
Attacks on female journalists have reached unprecedented levels. A noted that women journalists, human rights defenders, activists and leaders are disproportionately attacked, with public forums being used to threaten, harass and stalk, and to promote hate speech targeting them. 鈥淚t鈥檚 chilling and sets a dangerous precedent for human rights violations,鈥 said Reem Abdellatif, an Egyptian-American journalist who has endured abuse because of her profession. Hate speech has been recognized by the United Nations as a major threat to peace and human rights.
For many women around the world, the devastating loss of a partner is magnified by the long-term struggle for their basic rights and dignity. Even though there are more than 258 million widows around the world, historically, widows have been left unseen and unsupported. Today, as armed conflicts, displacement, and the COVID-19 pandemic leave women newly widowed or with disappeared partners, the unique experiences and needs of widows must be brought to the forefront. This International Widows鈥 Day, let鈥檚 make their voices lead to the path to equality.
Menstruation is not only an issue of , but also a matter of .
Major Winnet Zharare is the first Zimbabwean to receive the prestigious 缅北禁地Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her outstanding efforts to integrate gender perspectives into .
. For millions, this most natural of the reproductive cycle functions can equate to abuse, stigma, missed opportunity and loss of dignity. To support menstrual health and hygiene, has included thousands of kits as part of the humanitarian response to conflict and natural disasters.
鈥淪ome days, I sometimes wish I hadn't been here before the 15th of August, because then I wouldn't have seen the hope and the promise and the potential.鈥
What is it like living and working in Afghanistan as a woman leader of a 缅北禁地Agency? Mary-Ellen McGroarty witnessed the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in August 2021. As Head of the World Food Programme (WFP) in the country, she has seen first hand the seismic shift in the economic, political and cultural landscape. Now, over 50% of Afghans are threatened with hunger. People are unable to go out to work either because of the economic crisis or, in the case of millions of women, because of new restrictions on their freedom. In this episode, Mary-Ellen McGroarty reflects on the impact of the takeover, the scale of the ensuing humanitarian crisis, and what it鈥檚 like sitting face to face with the Taliban.
Photo: 漏 WFP/Wahidullah AMANI
Nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended. presents how unintended pregnancies can contribute to the shame, stigma and misunderstandings that must be overcome to end this crisis.
This , we invited parents into our studio to read stories of mothers from around the world. Watch what happens next鈥
, analysing data from 120 countries in primary and secondary education, shows that in the early years, boys perform better than girls in mathematics but, this gender gap disappears later. This research confirms that the gender gap in learning has closed even in the poorest countries. And in some countries, the gap is now reversed. However, biases and stereotypes are still likely to affect learning outcomes. Boys are still far more likely to be overrepresented among the highest performers in mathematics in all countries.
The staff at the Karibuni Wa Mama (Welcome, mothers) medical centre help heal many wounds - physical and psychological, and go even further in healing survivors. The centre is managed by the NGO Solidarit茅 feminine pour la paix et le d茅veloppement int茅gral (Female Solidarity for Peace and Integral Development) - SOFEPADI. SOFEPADI was founded 20 years ago by 24 women in Bunia, Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo to campaign for peace and to promote women鈥檚 empowerment and human rights.
Women and girls are disproportionately vulnerable to the growing impacts of climate change, yet they are also critical advocates, innovators and decision-makers at the forefront of global climate action and solutions. This International Women鈥檚 Day (8 March 2022), under the theme 鈥Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,鈥 recognises and celebrates the contributions of women and girls around the world to build a more sustainable and equal future for all. By championing climate action by women, for women, we can ensure that it鈥檚 not too late. Learn
A relatively small number of women are part of the judiciary, particularly at senior judicial leadership positions. The entry of women judges into spaces from which they have historically been excluded is a positive step in terms of transparency, inclusiveness, and representation. Join us in celebrating the International Day of Women Judges (10 March) with the campaign 鈥溾 to promote the full and equal participation of women at all levels of the judiciary, to celebrate the progress made, and to raise awareness about the challenges ahead.
This International Women鈥檚 Day, 8 March, join and the world in coming together under the theme 鈥溾. Women experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety. Women鈥檚 full and equal participation in decision-making processes is a top priority in the fight against climate change. Let鈥檚 recognize and the contribution of women and girls who lead us to a more sustainable future for all. !