Europe and Central Asia
New law in Kyrgyzstan toughens penalties for bride kidnapping
In a country where an estimated 11,800 girls and young women are kidnapped every year to wed against their will, the President of Kyrgyzstan approved legislation on 26 January to increase the sentence for bride-kidnapping to 10 years in prison.
UN Women signs agreement to better track female leadership and participation at the local level
As part of an MOU signed between UN Women and United Cities and Local Governments at a conference in Paris this week, both organizations will collect data on local female leadership, monitor local action plans on gender equality and create a global observatory.
Breaking the silence: Survivors of violence tell how they used their experience to enact change
Cathy Eatock is an aboriginal woman and survivor of child sexual assault who pressed charges against her assailant despite resistance from her own community. She has since worked tirelessly on policies to protect women and children from abuse and defend the rights of indigenous peoples. She is now Senior Policy Officer for the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs of the Government of Australia.
“Getting to Zero”: Working together to end the twin pandemics of HIV/AIDS and Violence against Women
On occasion of World AIDS Day 2012, five UN Trust Fund grantees respond to the question: Is it possible to get to Zero HIV/AIDS without Zero Violence against Women?
UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women announces over US$8 million in grants
The United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UN Trust Fund) today kicked off its 16th year announcing more than US$8 million in grants to 12 local initiatives in 18 countries.
Giving young children access to school and mothers a chance to find jobs in rural Moldova
Many young children in rural Moldova are stuck at home in the long cold winter months with nowhere to go and nowhere to play. Kindergartens and pre-schools are few and even when they are in place, they are in poor shape and often badly heated.
Partners in law: Legal help leads to brighter futures for Tajikistan’s rural women
For Maksad Nodirova , legal aid has meant more than a financial foothold in rural Tajikistan. It has helped her forge a path through trauma, disempowerment and loss – and emerge both a breadwinner and businesswoman. The 58-year old mother of five and wife of an ill husband, Maksad worked on cooperative farms for much [...]
A key milestone toward gender equality is passed in Albania, bringing hope to many
In the Southeastern nation of Albania, girls in the villages often tell the same story. For Albana, and other ten-year old girls like her, the first day of school is exciting. She runs down the street in her village of Kukes to make it on time, afraid she will be late. But her school is [...]
