Stories from the Field
Zimbabweans say yes to new Constitution strong on gender equality and women’s rights
With general elections approaching, Zimbabwean women hope to see women’s representation grow in Parliament, which is also mandated by the new Constitution approved by referendum in March.
Syrian Women Refugees Stitch Together Trust and Hope
At one of the largest refugee camps in Jordan, Syrian refugees are attending tailoring workshops and taking part in a programme to sew baby outfits for new mothers at camp hospitals. While earning an income, they are bonding with others and speaking up about gender-based violence.
In Tajikistan, rural women gain business skills and independence through self-help groups
A UN Women supported project is training the families of migrants and rural women’s groups to start their own businesses, helping them access micro-credits, and fostering their economic empowerment. They also learn how to save energy and manage household budgets.
Ensuring mothers do not die when giving life
A programme in seven countries advances efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality highlighting the links between violence against women and maternal health, and training midwives and community health workers to bring long-term change.
Femicide in Latin America: creating a regional protocol for ensuring justice
While women in El Salvador are working to implement a new law against gender-based killings of women, UN Women and OHCHR have come together to promote a regional protocol against such crimes throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Women elected to one-fifth of seats during Kenyan elections
After Kenya’s recent national elections on 4 March, an unprecedented 87 of the 416 seats in the National Assembly and Senate will be held by women. As a new Constitutional requirement to ensure one-third representation, another 52 women will be nominated by 2015.
Tanzanian Women bring safe drinking water to their communities
With water cooperation as the focus of this year’s World Water Day (22 March), we highlight the experience of the Kingolwira village in Tanzania, where water is scarce but women’s leadership and the community-wide construction of a small dam is now ensuring an equitable distribution of clean water.
Tajikistan moves towards a law to prevent domestic violence
After more than 10 years of advocacy and legislative wrangling, on 19 December, 2012 Tajikistan’s Lower House of Parliament approved a bill to provide protection for survivors and prevent domestic violence. The Upper House is expected to pass it into law in the coming months.
Swimming against the tide: ‘Salmon’ police units assist women facing violence in El Salvador
Under the new law against violence in El Salvador, a Specialized Institutional Police Unit to assist women in situations of violence has been created and is working to build a safer city. Its members have earned the nickname of “salmon” since they go against the current.
In Palestine, a Centre offers shelter and changes lives for survivors of violence
At the Mehwar Centre, survivors are healing their wounds, rebuilding their self-esteem and getting an education so that they can transform their lives.
