Stories
Women in rural Cambodia cultivate their way out of vulnerability
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
In five rural districts of Battambang and Siem Reap provinces in Cambodia, Banteay Srei, a local women-led NGO works with the poorest, most marginalized women—including those who are illiterate or single mothers—to help them improve their livelihoods. More
In Benin, small savings and loans groups drive rural women’s empowerment
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Across rural Africa, women farmers are benefiting from Savings and Loans Groups to grow their businesses. Some 40 per cent of the UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality grantees in Africa are now using this methodology, leading to better nutrition, business development and sustainable land management outcomes. The Miguéze’ programme, for example, has impacted 2,780 people, and women are emerging as leaders and role models. More
In the words of Tarcila Rivera Zea: “My parents, illiterate as they were, pushed to learn more”
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Tarcila Rivera Zea is a Quechuan activist from Ayacucho, Peru, and Founder of the organization Chirapaq, and leader in the movement of indigenous women of the Americas. From 2013 – 2015, UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality has supported Chirapaq’s work on strengthening rural indigenous women’s economic empowerment. Ms. Rivera Zea was recently elected to the UN’s Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. She is a journalist by profession and for more than 30 years has worked as an activist for indigenous peoples' rights, particularly those related to women, children and indigenous youth in national and international areas. More
Women gain political representation and leadership in rural China
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Working at the grassroots level, a programme in the world’s most populous country successfully trained young women to run in local elections, and dismantled negative perceptions and discriminatory rules that hindered women’s political participation. More
In host country Lebanon, refugee and rural women build entrepreneurship, cohesion and future
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Women entrepreneurs from refugee and host communities in Lebanon are using their unique skills and creativity to build their own model of social stability in Lebanon while launching economically viable businesses. More
Migrant women of Viet Nam claim social protection and rights
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
An estimated 40 – 50 per cent of migrants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the two biggest cities in Viet Nam, are women, and they face distinct challenges. Low and unstable incomes and lack of social protection make them particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. But migrant women workers of Viet Nam refuse to live on the fringes any longer. More than 10,000 migrant workers have learnt how to access social welfare benefits, legal protection and health care. They are advocating for their rights and helping one another. More
Indigenous women in Peru combat climate change and boost economy
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
To combat the impact of climate change, the indigenous women of Laramate in Peru have turned to ancestral farming techniques with support from UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality. In addition to healthier crops and improved incomes for the community, the programme has boosted indigenous women’s participation in public spaces and decision-making. More
From child labourer to women’s rights defender
Friday, June 10, 2016
In Bolivia, after studying at the UN Women-supported School for Women Leaders, an indigenous Aymara woman managed to overcome a childhood and adolescence of labour exploitation to become an advocate for women's rights. More
In Guinea, a cooperative empowers rural women
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
In the Katfoura village on the Tristao Islands in Guinea, one civil society organization is providing rural women with new opportunities to generate income and improve community life. More
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
UN Women's Fund for Gender Equality has expanded it's global grant-making portfolio to 80 Countries in six years, More
Rural Peruvian women spur local dairy industry
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
With support from UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality, an association of rural indigenous women cheese and yogurt producers is growing, boosting incomes and economic independence. More
Girls and young women gain ground in male-dominated fields
Thursday, October 8, 2015
With support from UN Women's Fund for Gender Equality, young women around the world are entering non-traditional economic and political spheres, and redefining leadership on their own terms. More
Girls bridge the digital gender gap in Central America
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Nearly 3,000 girls and youth across Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic are using technology and innovative strategies to achieve gender equality in male-dominated fields. More
Income empowers Kilimanjaro women to seek justice
Monday, June 1, 2015
Through a programme supported by UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality, more than 1,000 women have joined savings and loans groups, started businesses, and sought legal advice to claim their rights. More
Young Palestinians push for a gender-equal Constitution
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
More than 700 young Palestinians have received leadership and gender-sensitivity training and several have collectively drafted an alternative constitution that challenges the status quo. More
Fund for Gender Equality's application system is open
Monday, February 23, 2015
Innovative civil society initiatives seeking to spur women’s economic and/or political empowerment are invited to apply for funding. More
‘Ready for the lists’, say Uruguayan women
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
A new series of commercials featuring public figures, as well as workshops and support for women politicians from all parties, and a project to broaden the current quota law are all stimulating the participation of women in decision-making in Uruguay. More
Trinidadian women gain ground at the ballot box
Friday, June 27, 2014
With support from UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality, the Network of NGOs in Trinidad and Tobago is training women to be more effective in running for election. They seek to learn the rules, use the rules and change the system. More
Women in power and decision-making: Strengthening voices for democracy
Friday, June 27, 2014
Strengthening women's role in power and decision-making is one of the 12 critical areas of concern outlined in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which turns 20 next year. Giving women a greater voice in all spheres is central to achieving change and boosting women’s leadership and political participation is one of UN Women’s seven key areas of work. More
UN Women Executive Director condemns assassination of women's rights activist in Libya
Thursday, June 26, 2014
UN Women strongly condemns the assassination of the Libyan leader and women’s rights advocate Salwa Bugaighis. Today we join millions in mourning the loss of a sister and courageous human rights defender. More