News
Safer spaces and better markets in the Pacific islands
Honaria’s central market in the Solomon Islands was dirty, crowded, and well known for petty crime and harassment – particularly for its mainly-women vendors. For many, making it “women friendly” was a lost cause. Yet despite critics and detractors, a woman leader was appointed as market manager for the first time, on the recommendation of [...]
Pacific parliamentarians UNiTE to end violence against women
In the lead up to the Pacific Islands Forum in the Cook Islands this week, parliamentarians representing eight Pacific Island Countries have released a signed statement calling for increased efforts and sustained action to eliminate violence against women and girls, under the framework of the Secretary General’s UNiTE campaign. The Pacific region has one of [...]
Changing beliefs, inspiring change: A men’s forum to end violence against women in Lebanon
It can be difficult to identify the exact moment that we are touched by change. But Ali Raad, a secondary school teacher from the Lebanese village of Baalbek, can trace one such moment to a community discussion, arranged by a local NGO. “I didn’t know what gender was really about until I attended the training,” [...]
UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet to attend high level meeting of Pacific Leaders in Cook Islands
Michelle Bachelet, UN Women’s Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, will attend the 43rd Pacific Islands Forum Meeting, to be held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands from 28 to 30 of August 2012.
UN Women signs partnership agreement with the International Olympic Committee to advance gender equality
UN Women and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have signed a partnership agreement which will promote women’s empowerment through sports. On behalf of UN Women, Executive Director Michelle Bachelet signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Committee, represented by its President, Dr. Jacques Rogge. The partnership lays the groundwork for future collaborations to promote [...]
Making profits, changing mindsets: Women’s cooperatives bring social change in the occupied Palestinian territories
As a young girl, Khitam Sameeh dreamed of finishing high school in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt) and staking out a career path. Instead, an early arranged marriage at 15 left her raising five children, with few options for easing a daily economic struggle. She was not alone: according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of [...]
One million sign to end violence against women in Pakistan
A high profile campaign to end violence against women (VAW) in Pakistan has culminated ceremonially with the signature of its one millionth supporter – the country’s President. UN Women launched the One Million Signatures Campaign during the annual 16 Days of Activism in Pakistan in 2011, in partnership with a country-wide network of women’s organizations, [...]
Young women find voices – and inner leadership – in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Conversations have taken a livelier turn at dinner tables across Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), according to one young Bosnian woman. “We live in patriarchal community in BiH, and during family meals there are often discussions about what men and women should do – about women’s obligations at home,” says project coordinator Nejra Kadic, 23, with [...]
In Asia, social media changes young minds about violence
When it comes to mobilizing youth, a good Tweet goes a long way, or in China, as the case may be – a good Weibo message in 140 characters or less. Add the voice of a young celebrity or two to the mix, and you could have yourself a critical digital mass. “Social media can [...]
Indigenous women working together, raising the volume
Since 2010, the UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality has worked to help amplify the voices of FIMI members in international decision-making spaces, as part of a programme to strengthen the advocacy networks and governance systems of indigenous women.
