News on Gender-based violence

21 June 2019
News
A Syrian refugee in northern Iraq. © UNFPA/Seivan Salim
Child bride, mother of seven, refugee and, today, an independent woman
DOHUK, Iraq – “I was only 12 years old when I got married to my 25-year-old cousin,” Najma*, from a Syria, told UNFPA recently. “My mother entered my room at around 5 pm while I was sitting on the floor, colouring in my... Read more
12 June 2019
News
Participants in the ‘Beauty for All’ course show off their new skills at a graduation ceremony in April. Photo courtesy of L’Oréal
Beauty for the brave: Abuse survivors learn to make it on their own
KYIV, Ukraine – Not long ago, Olena* feared for her life and for her children. For years, husband assaulted her physically and sexually. He threatened to kill her if she ever left. But she found the strength to protect... Read more
5 June 2019
News
Large numbers of people are bypassing immigration controls as they exit Venezuela. © Tomer Urwicz
Dignity and strength: Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia
CÚCUTA, Colombia – Not long ago, 15-year-old Nelsmar attended a middle-class school in central Venezuela. That was before her family was uprooted by the economic and humanitarian crisis in her country, which has pushed... Read more
28 May 2019
News
UNFPA holds sessions raising awareness about gender-based violence, and the availability of support services, in a displacement camp in Yemen. © UNFPA Yemen
A nightmare within a nightmare: Taking on sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises
SANA’A, Yemen/OSLO, Norway – When Maram* showed up at her parents' house, battered and bruised by her husband, her mother urged her to be less stubborn, more obedient – anything to avoid a divorce. It was a nightmare... Read more
28 May 2019
News
In India, 15-year-old Priyanka Meena sleeps outside her home when she has her periods. She wears the same clothes and uses the same utensils when she menstruates; these are believed to be unclean. © UNFPA India
Menstruation is not a girls' or women’s issue – it’s a human rights issue
JUBA/COX’S BAZAR/UNITED NATIONS – “My periods are a nightmare,” Nyanjuma Galoth, 20, told UNFPA at a civilian protection camp in South Sudan. “They are very painful, and I can’t get any sanitary products.”It is a major... Read more
29 April 2019
News
Dr. Joha attends to a displaced woman at Al-Hol Camp. The needs were "overwhelmingly high," he said. © UNFPA Syria
Caught in the crossfire: Urgent needs in north-east Syria
Al-Hassakeh, Syria – Vulnerable civilians were caught in the crossfire as hostilities intensified in north-eastern Syria in recent weeks. “I took out around 160 pieces of shrapnel from the bodies of women and children... Read more
9 April 2019
News
Khadija had no income after she left her husband. © UNFPA Morocco
Survivors of gender-based violence get a fresh start in Morocco
FEZ, Morocco – “I was forced to leave home with my baby in my hands," Khadija, 42, told UNFPA. When she finally decided to divorce her husband after over 10 years of suffering abuse, she thought her agony would end. She... Read more
10 April 2019
News
Marta Paula, from Guinea-Bissau, was hospitalized when she gave birth at 13. Doctors were worried she might die. Today, she calls for young people to have access to family planning. © UNFPA/I. Barbosa
Vast numbers of women lack decision-making power over their own bodies, says UNFPA flagship report
UNITED NATIONS, New York – Reproductive rights and choices have become a reality for more women than ever, says UNFPA’s flagship report, State of World Population 2019, released today. Yet despite these gains, vast... Read more
1 April 2019
News
More than 200 million of women and adolescent girls are not using modern contraceptives even though they want to avoid pregnancy, the 52nd Commission on Population and Development heard today. In Thailand, a UNFPA-supported emergency shelter for pregnant teens. © UNFPA/Ruth Carr
Declaration affirms global support for reproductive health and rights
UNITED NATIONS, New York – Ministers and representatives of Governments unanimously adopted a political declaration today reaffirming support for the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and... Read more
29 March 2019
News
The ICPD marked a revolution in thinking about sexual and reproductive health and rights. © UN Photo
Explainer: What is the ICPD and why does it matter?
UNITED NATIONS, New York – This year marks the 25th anniversary of the ICPD – a milestone in reproductive health and rights. On Monday, world leaders are gathering at the United Nations to discuss progress made since... Read more

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