Through the Gender Innovation Project, WFP Guinea-Bissau is supporting women’s farming associations in the regions of Bafata and Oio. In exchange for part of their fresh produce, which goes towards WFP school meals in 16 schools, WFP gives farming equipment to the women.
On 13 April a landmark System-wide Action Plan (SWAP) on gender equality and women’s empowerment was adopted at a meeting of the United Nations Chief Executives Board for Coordination, to be applied throughout the UN system. For the first time, the UN will have a set of common measures with which to measure progress in its gender-related work, including the mainstreaming of the gender perspective across all its operations.
Source: Swazi Media Company
Workers went on strike at a major Taiwanese-owned textile factory in Swaziland to protest that the company had claimed its workers are well paid, when they are not.
Source: Bua News
Women, Children and People with Disabilities Minister Lulu Xingwana has condemned in the strongest possible terms the gang rape of a 17-year-old Soweto girl.The rape incident was captured on video by one of the perpetrators.
Source: Open Democracy
The involvement of women in anti-war actions and in support of peace activism worldwide is a critical part of modern history, yet the vulnerability of women in conflict situations to violence of all forms is perhaps the most brutal manifestation of patriarchy in modern times. We must probe the areas of ambivalence in women’s activism for peace and human rights, argues Sunila Abeysekera.
Source: UN Women
On 13 April a landmark System-wide Action Plan (SWAP) on gender equality and women’s empowerment was adopted at a meeting of the United Nations Chief Executives Board for Coordination, to be applied throughout the UN system. For the first time, the UN will have a set of common measures with which to measure progress in its gender-related work, including the mainstreaming of the gender perspective across all its operations.
Source: Open Democracy
In conversation with Jessica Horn, a leading Malian women’s rights activist identifies the roots of the crisis in Mali, and the opportunistic use of the crisis by Malian and international Islamic fundamentalists to gain a popular foothold in the north of the country
Youth representatives say Government should come up with economic empowerment programmes to benefit young Zimbabweans. They said as the country celebrates 32 years of independence, it was important that the youths are considered in all programmes.
Source: Shabait.com
Training was given to women in Anseba region aimed at raising their awareness as regards communicable diseases.
Source: Tanzania Daily News
WOMEN have been urged to unite and speak with one voice so that their agenda and wishes are incorporated in the new constitution.
Source: Tunisia Live
"Breaking the silence is the first step."
Source: The New Vision
Over 20 widows and less privileged women in Tororo municipality have graduated in life skills development to start up their own business.
Source: Rwanda Focus
"I don't want to report him to the police," mumbles Nikuze as she sits down, bleeding in the mouth where two teeth have been knocked out by her husband.
Source: Radio Dabanga
Displaced women in camps across Darfur have expressed their anger at the recent escalation of rapes carried out by militias loyal to the Sudanese government.
Source: The New Dawn
In keeping with his pledge to make available 1.4million Liberian dollars as micro loans for marketers in Grand Bassa County, Senate President Pro-Tempore Senator Gbehzohngar Findley has presented the first L$600,000.00 to six markets in Buchanan City. Each of the markets received a check for L$100,000.00.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
The Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs called on stakeholders to intensify efforts in maximizing the benefit of women and youth.
Source: Foroyaa
A young female writer Awa Bojang said she would publish her 3 latest books which she is working on, before the turn of the New Year.
Source: ISS
If women activists are excited, it is because this represents progress in Southern Africa as we ebb closer to 2015, in which 50% of women should be in decision-making positions according to the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
Source: TheEmoryWheel
When we think about Somalia, the image that comes to mind is that of a 20-year-old failed state that struggles to rid itself of al-Shabaab, an Islamic militia group with ties to al-Qaeda and the destitution it has created. However, one important aspect that is largely ignored is the plight of women in Somalia.
Nigeria and Ethiopia have adopted federal systems that allow citizens to elect their own representatives at the state and local levels. The states also have their own courts and can collect taxes for their own use.