Meet some inspiring grass-roots women leaders who are bringing lasting change to their communities, supported by the United Nations Date: Monday, March 1, 2021 The data is clear. Despite women’s increased engagement in public decision-making roles, equality is far off: women hold about 21 percent of ministerial positions globally, only three countries have 50 percent or more...
The issue of sexual and reproductive human rights (SRHR) transverses race. The taboo of discussing a sexually transmitted disease is a global issue and the stigma it brings with it affects those diagnosed universally. “Will I get HIV from kissing” still remains one of the top google searches – exemplifying worldwide misconceptions regarding the disease. ...
In 2020, even as governments around the world rallied to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of countries and their populations continued to face insecurities spurred by violent extremist organizations. On 23 March 2020, the UN Secretary-General issued an urgent appeal for a global ceasefire to create opportunities for life-saving aid. He stressed on the...
A global study by Women’s Deliver and Focus 2030 has found that women are being excluded from COVID-19 response and recovery plans. Women account for 70% of frontline workers, but only 20% of the World Health Organization’s emergency committee are women. Research by the World Bank and UN shows women have been disproportionately affected by...
It will soon be a year since WHO declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. By now, every corner of the world has felt the devastating impact of the pandemic, and women and girls in science are on the front lines of response. They are healthcare workers and innovators. They are researching vaccines and pioneering treatments....
As part of our Generation Equality campaign, UN Women is issuing a global call for original artwork that visualizes and celebrates activism for gender equality. As we approach International Women’s Day (8 March) and as world leaders and activists prepare for the 2021 Generation Equality Forum — a global gathering to invest and innovate for gender equality — we are...
WHO highlights resources for continuing the crucial work of preventing female genital mutilation (FGM) and providing healthcare to girls and women at risk or affected – during COVID-19 and beyond. Marking the annual International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the context of COVID-19 is a timely reminder of the health sector’s...
For 35 years, Yatta Fahnbulleh earned a living in north-western Liberia by initiating girls into adulthood through rituals that included female genital mutilation (FGM) – a practice that violates girls’ bodies and their human rights. She is one of many FGM practitioners who wanted to stop but who could not find an alternative way to support herself...
The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP), an advocacy group supported by the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, holds an Anti-FGM workshop aimed at empowering women to claim their rights and those of their daughters in February 2016. Photo: UN Trust Fund to End Violence...
2021 promises to be a milestone year for accelerating global progress on gender equality. We are determined not to miss that opportunity, even under these unusual conditions. And I am sure all of us who are here today believe that we cannot miss that opportunity. At the Generation Equality Forum we will call on governments,...
