News on Gender equality

3 January 2020
News
Survivors and advocates Nachaki, Rosillah and Eunice speak with advocate and psychotherapist Leyla Hussein at the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25. (L-R) Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Pratt/Too Young to Wed.
From child brides and FGM survivors to leaders on a global stage
NAIROBI, Kenya/UNITED NATIONS, New York – Monicah, 13, was astonished to learn that female genital mutilation (FGM) is not just an issue just within her community, in Kenya’s rural Samburu County. “I realized it we are... Read more
23 December 2019
News
The world has seen both peril and promise in the last 10 years.
A look back at the 2010s: A decade of voices and choices
UNITED NATIONS, New York – As another decade draws to a close, the world is preoccupied with perils on the horizon. Climate change is beginning to ravage communities everywhere. The global displacement crisis has... Read more
10 December 2019
News
Ms. Banda reads the inscription on her award, which comes from members of her community: “Thank you our fierce fighter, Memory." Image from video feed.
Young voices demand to be heard: Celebrating young activists on Human Rights Day
UNITED NATIONS, Geneva – Memory Banda, 23, knows how to change the world: by refusing to stay silent.  Ms. Banda grew up in Malawi in an area where child marriage, sexual violence and early pregnancy were common. “In my... Read more
10 December 2019
News
A women-friendly space in Attapue. UNFPA has helped the Lao Women's Union to provide psychosocial support in the community. Such efforts will continue as the country rolls out the Essential Services Package. © UNFPA Lao People's Democratic Republic
Women and girls’ pathway to a life free from violence in Lao People's Democratic Republic
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic – La* spends her days providing support to survivors of violence and human trafficking in Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Then at night, she... Read more
26 November 2019
News
Child marriage is widely seen as a way to secure care for daughters, who are often viewed as an economic burden. In this way, the practice both arises from and perpetuates gender inequality. © UNFPA Regional Syria Response Hub
“Life became a cage”: Syrian girls shed light on conflict, vulnerability and cycle of abuse
DAMASCUS, Syria – “Growing up, I felt as though my wings were slowly clipped against my will, and life became a cage from which there was no escape,” said Amal*, a Syrian adolescent from Qamishli. “An entire world... Read more
25 November 2019
News
Salwa's* experience shows the vulnerabilities of survivors who do not receive qualified and timely support.. © UNFPA Yemen
Stand against rape and gender-based violence, UNFPA and partners urge
UNITED NATIONS, New York – “While I was in the office, they brought me a survivor,” Dr. Joseph Johnson, a gynaecologist in northwest South Sudan, recently recalled. “They told me she was raped by her own boyfriend.” The... Read more
13 November 2019
News
In 10 years, the world could achieve three transformative results, at a price tag of only $264 billion, according to new research unveiled at the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25. © UNFPA Uganda
This is how much it will cost to realize the world we want
Nairobi, KENYA – It is possible to end preventable maternal deaths, cover all unmet needs for family planning and put a stop to gender-based violence, all within a decade. But it will cost the world a total of $264... Read more
4 November 2019
News
Nuns and monks gathered at Pangrizampa College of Astrology to speak with UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem about their work on sexual and reproductive health and rights. © UNFPA Bhutan/Nilanjana Bose
Nuns and monks break the silence on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Bhutan
Thimphu, BHUTAN – "There was a time when I would be menstruating and didn’t know what to do during those days… Now I do.” These candid reflections came from an unexpected source: a nun sitting cross-legged on the floor... Read more
3 October 2019
News
The school for husbands and future husbands teaches men to empower their wives through behavior change. Here, men practice domestic skills to ease the burden on their wives. © UNFPA/Ollivier Girard
Real men respect women, says school for husbands in Burkina Faso
MAMBOUE, Burkina Faso – Waimbabie Gnoumou is learning to be a better husband, says his wife, Martine. That’s because he is going to a special school that teaches men exactly that. The Husbands and Future Husbands School... Read more
30 September 2019
News
Global efforts show progress on making women and girls feel safe
BUENOS AIRES/TEGUCIGALPA/NEW YORK – Like many teenagers in Argentina’s Jujuy Province, Camila used to lack access to comprehensive sexuality education in school. She saw her peers face risks like adolescent pregnancy... Read more

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