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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’ Day, let’s make their voices lead to the path to equality.

Menstruation is not only an issue of , but also a matter of . 

“Some 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.”

What is it like living and working in Afghanistan as a woman leader of a �山����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’s like sitting face to face with the Taliban.

Photo: © 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…

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 Solidarité feminine pour la paix et le développement intégral (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’s 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’s Day (8 March 2022), under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” 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’s 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 “” 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’s Day, 8 March, join and the world in coming together under the theme “”. Women experience the greatest impacts of climate change, which amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety. Women’s full and equal participation in decision-making processes is a top priority in the fight against climate change. Let’s recognize and the contribution of women and girls who lead us to a more sustainable future for all. !

This International Women’s Day, 8 March, join and the world in coming together under the theme “.”

The ,  is an initiative to help women who have completed nuclear science education to develop and expand their career opportunities.

Child marriage is a human rights violation that often ensnares the most vulnerable, impoverished and marginalized girls. But it is also calamitous for communities and societies, locking child brides and their families in a cycle of poverty lasting generations. Ending child marriage – enabling girls to complete their educations, postpone motherhood, find gainful employment and fulfil their potential – could generate billions of dollars in earnings and productivity,  finds. This Valentine’s Day, as in previous years, calls on the world to end  and brings your attention to these .

The initiative aims to eliminate the degrading and hazardous practice of manual cleaning of public sewer systems and help the women employed gain financial independence. 

Afro-Ecuadorians and Afro-Colombian refugees use traditional arrullo rhythms and song to open a conversation about gender-based violence.

The Youth Leadership School for young people of African descent in the Latin America and Caribbean region seeks to strengthen young people’s technical and entrepreneurial skills. Around the world, people are finding new ways to remove the barriers to fundamental rights. By blending tech solutions with the wisdom and knowledge of UNFPA’s network of partners, these innovations are changing lives, at scale. is partnering with innovators to accelerate progress for women and girls. More in this .