FINLAND: Working to Prevent Child Marriage
Keskisuomalainen and Etelä-Suomen Sanomat on 13 May published an article co-written by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin and Finland’s Minister for International Development Heidi Hautala on UNFPA's work to prevent child marriages with the support of the government of Finland. Focus was on Mother's Day and those girls who become mothers too early. Read in Finnish: Keskisuomalainen
DENMARK: Spreading the Word About Maternal Health and Teen Pregnancy
U-landsnyt on 13 May and the web page of the University of Copenhagen wrote about the joint UNFPA, DANIDA and the University of Copenhagen Mother's Day to-go cup–campaign. More than 23,000 yellow to-go coffee cups with messages about maternal health and teenage pregnancies were distributed on DSB trains (Danish public railway) across the country to draw attention to the unfinished business of reducing maternal deaths, especially amongst young mothers. Read in Danish and English: U-landsnyt, University of Copenhagen and UN.DK
UNITED STATES: UNFPA ED Urges Men to Get Involved
CNN on 11 May published an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin urging men to "step up on family planning." "As we celebrate Mother's Day, I challenge all men to think about the commitments they can make to build up our societies by lifting up women, our very own mothers, wives and daughters." Read in English: CNN
FRANCE: Women Are the Face of Immigration
Le Monde on 9 May published an article on the feminization of immigration. According to UNFPA, women represent 49% of the more than 214 million international migrants worldwide. UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin and UNFPA Expert Ann Pawliczko are quoted in the piece.
MOLDOVA: First Congress of Midwives Held
Kp.md on 9 May reported on the first Congress of Midwives from 8-9 May. Moldovan Midwives received assurances from the authorities that they will be provided with better working conditions and the possibility of continuing professional development in the centre. Mr. Ian McFarlane, UNFPA Representative for Moldova, called on the government and state institutions to stimulate the birth rate in Moldova and aim to reduce maternal mortality through the implementation of quality health care services. Mr. McFarlane also noted the particular importance of the Association of Midwives of Moldova membership in the International Confederation of Midwives to ensure the exchange of experience and continuous improvement. Read in Russian: Kp.md
TURKEY: Pilot Programme Developed to Treat SGBV Victims
IRIN News and others reported on 8 May that Turkey has taken in around 193,000 refugees in 17 camps, and six new camps are currently under construction. Stretched to capacity, the country has been lauded for its open-door policy and generous aid. But at least one gap remains. “From what we have been able to learn, there is virtually no trained psychosocial support [specific to survivors of sexual violence] currently available in the camps,” said Leyla Welkin, a clinical psychologist and gender-based violence consultant working with UNFPA. Together with the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Policy, UNFPA has designed a pilot programme to prepare and train 24 health care workers to conduct preliminary psychological assessment and treatment in the camps. Specific services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence are rarely at the top of the priority list in emergency settings, said Meltem Agduk, gender programme officer with UNFPA. Like others have done elsewhere, Turkish officials first focused on providing adequate food and shelter to refugees. Read in English: IRIN, Altinget and WN
FIJI: Preparing for 2014 and Beyond
The Fiji Times on 7 May published an op-ed by Ariela Zibiah, communications officer at UNFPA, on the Pacific report Dr. Babatunde launched. The report hopes to provide readers with an insight into the diverse home-grown approaches Pacific countries used to implement the ICPD Programme of Action. The report also points out the remaining challenges, and opportunities that exist for further improvement. Read in English: The Fiji Times
FIJI: Working Towards the ICPD Goals
The Fiji Times on 7 May reported that UNFPA has congratulated Fiji and the region for the Pacific Regional International Conference on Population Development (ICPD) review which will allow UNFPA to better set a course to meet the ICPD goals. The resulting document is the product of regions commitment to the ICPD program of action that set out to provide universal access to family planning and sexual and reproductive health services and reproductive rights. Dr. Osotimehin is quoted in the piece. Read in English: Fiji Times
PARAGUAY: Midwifery Saves Lives
Villarrica online.com reported on 7 May that in developing countries it is important to strengthen reproductive health services because, according to the UNFPA, investment in midwives is key to preventing maternal deaths. Trained midwives can prevent the deaths of approximately 300,000 poor women each year in developing countries and about two million newborns. Read in Spanish: Villarrica online.com
BURKINA FASO: Finding a Solution for Obstetric Fistule
Faso.net on 6 May, has reported that with the financial support of the UNFPA Burkina country office, four women have been cured of obstetric fistula by the Rama Foundation in Ouagadougou. Before leaving the Foundation, these women received training in weaving and soap production in order to help them to be autonomous. Read in French: Faso.net
BURKINA FASO: Celebrating Midwives
Burkina Faso National Television has reported on 6 May that the celebration of the International Day of the Midwife, supported by the UNFPA Burkina country office, has took place on 5 May 2013. During the meeting, Dr. Seydou Belewivire, who represented the UNFPA, stressed the large part that midwifves have to play in the reduction of maternal and infantile morality. Read in French: RTB
SENEGAL: UNFPA Advocates for Midwife Recruitment
Le Soleil on 6 May reported on the celebration of the International Day of the Midwife. The Senegalese National Association of Midwives and the United Nations Population Fund noted that health facilities suffer from a serious lack of midwives while 2,500 midwives are unemployed. The Association of Midwives and UNFPA advocate for recruitment of midwives to saves women lives.
Read in French: Le Soleil
DENMARK: Situation for Iraqi Females Deteriorating
U-landsnyt on 6 May published an article on women’s rights and gender equality in Iraq, highlighting that the situation for Iraqi women is deteriorating. The article refers to a survey by the government and the UNFPA, showing that domestic violence, honour killings, FGM and human trafficking threaten many Iraqi women and girls. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt
PARAGUAY: Investing in Midwives Prevent Maternal Deaths
Multiple media outlets reported on 6 May that investing in midwives is key to preventing maternal deaths. The outlets highlighted that about 222 million women have no access to modern family planning methods to prevent abortion. Therefore, UNFPA and ICM urged governments to work together to close the gap in the lack of access to midwifery services and encouraged them to support quality training, innovative technologies and creating enabling environments for midwives to meet the vital functions they play in communities and societies, especially in developing countries. Read in Spanish: Radio Ñanduti, Neike, PPN
UGANDA: Midwives Needed Urgently
Sunday Vision on 5 May published an opinion piece by the Communications and Public Relations Coordinator of Reproductive Health Uganda, one of UNFPA's implementing partners in Uganda. He advocates for the recruitment of more skilled and trained midwives, especially in the rural areas.
PARAGUAY: Investing in Midwives, Key to Preventing Maternal Death
Multiple media reported from 3 to 5 May on the importance of investing in midwives, in the context of International Midwives Day. They emphasized that UNFPA and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) highlighted the work of midwives and their contribution to the wellbeing of women and children around the world. Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA Executive Director, said that "we need to invest in human resources for health, especially midwifery, as this is one of the most beneficial investments a country can make to accelerate their progress." Read more in Spanish: La Nación Digital, Diario ABC Color, P y N, Enlace Global, Frontera CDE.
BANGLADESH: Celebrating the International Day of the Midwife
The Daily Star, the Daily Sun and the Daily New Age published on 5 May the op-ed of Bangladesh's UNFPA Representative Arthur Erken and multiple media outlets published the statement of UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin. Read in English: The Daily Star, Daily Sun, 24 Live, Bangladesh News 24, Bangladesh News 24, New Age and 24 Live.
BELARUS: Opportunities for Women Cut Short
Sn-plus.com on 5 May reported that according to the National Statistics Committee, 87% of senior managers in governance structures are men and a similar pattern is observed in the private sector. Despite the fact that women make up 54% of the economically active population of Belarus and outperform men in terms of education qualifications, career opportunities for women mainly stop at middle management level. In addtion, "It is much easier for women to move up the career ladder within a company, rather than to another company” explained Ms. Tatiana Haplichnik, UNFPA Coordinator.
TURKMENISTAN: Meeting between UNFPA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Held
Mfa.gov.tm on 4 May reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting with UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Mr. Werner Haug. During the talks, the sides discussed issues of bilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and UNFPA, in particular, Turkmenistan's participation in UNFPA activities related to the definition of the global development agenda beyond 2015. Read in Russian: Mfa.gov.tm
GEORGIA: Census 2014 Approaching
Georgia Today on 3 May reported that the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) and UNFPA, held a donors’ conference on 30 April regarding the Population Census 2014. As a UN member state, Georgia is involved in the 2010 round of censuses; and due to the fact that this round ends in 2014, at the beginning of 2012, the UN included Georgia in the list of countries, which for certain reasons, could not perform the overall Census of Population. On 2 April, the Government Commission for Coordination of Population Census, on its first session, approved the 2014 Georgian Population Census Program and announced the date – 5 to 19 November 2014. UNFPA Assistant Representative Tamar Khomasuridze is quoted saying, “A census is the most reliable primary source of information and takes stock of a country’s most important asset – human capital.” Read in English: Georgia Today and Inter Press Service. Watch in Georgian: 1TV, iMedi, Maestro. Read in Georgian: BPI and Media News
BELARUS: Photo Competition Announced
Belta.by on 3 May reported that UNFPA and the JV "Mobile TeleSystems" announced a family photo contest "Communicating generations" where pictures reflect true family values and common interests. The competition is organized with the aim of strengthening and promoting family values and building an understanding of the importance of family.Hopefully the photo competition and exhibition will draw attention to the importance of the conservation and development of family values" said UNFPA Coordinator, Ms. Tatiana Haplichnik. Read in Russian: Belta.by, Delovoyminsk, Palese and Mazyr
BELARUS: Directory Created to Assist Victims of Domestic Violence
Multiple media outlets on 3 May reported that Belarus has created a directory of state and public organizations that provide assistance to citizens experiencing domestic violence. The handbook was prepared by the Belarusian Association of Young Christian women as part of the international technical assistance project "Strengthening national capacity of the state to combat domestic violence in the Republic of Belarus," with financial and technical support from UNFPA, UNICEF and IOM, as well as financial support from the UN Trust Fund "Stop violence against women." Read in Russian: Gisp and Ostanovinasilie
ARMENIA: Sex Imbalances Threaten Demographics
Multiple media outlets on 2 May reported that the UNFPA Armenia Country Office presented the findings of the 2012-2013 “Sex Imbalances at Birth in Armenia: Demographic Evidence and Analysis” study. The purpose of the study was an in-depth analysis of sex-at-birth imbalances in Armenia and projecting the possible consequences of the skewed sex ratio for the country. According to the study, if the adverse practice of preventing girls from being born for the sake of having a boy is continued, almost 93,000 women will “go missing” and Armenia’s population will reduce by an additional 80,000 inhabitants. “If we fail to prevent this process, some men of the most active age in terms of entering marriage, 20-39 year olds, will relatively soon face problems, being unable to find a pair will be forced either to migrate or to look for wives from abroad,” said Garik Hayrapetyan, UNFPA Assistant Representative. Read in English: ArmRadio, Panorama, Arm Town, News.am and Tert.am Read in Russian: Panorama and Arm Town
UGANDA: Preparing for the Day of the Midwife
The Observer on 2 May reported on a press conference organized by the Uganda Ministry of Health and UNFPA in preparation for the International Day of the Midwife. UNFPA's Assistant Representative Dr. Wilfred Ochan was quoted. Read in English: The Observer
SWEDEN: Child Marriage Must End
On 1 May SvD Nyheter published an article on child marriages and UNFPA’s child marriage report. According to the article, millions of the world's brides are under 15, and UNFPA warns that there might be an exponential increase in child marriages in poor countries in the future. The article also mentions that UN Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal and child mortality cannot be achieved without ending child marriages. Read in Swedish: SvD Nyheter
UZBEKISTAN: Tashkent to Host Seminar on Anniversary of ICPD
Multiple media outlets reported on 30 April that the Institute of Economics of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Republican Scientific and Practical Centre "Oila" with the support of UNFPA will organize a workshop to discuss issues related to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Uzbekistan. The workshop will address the issues of population, health, particularly reproductive and maternal health, empowerment of women, environmental protection and the fight against tuberculosis. Uzbekistan’s achievements in the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action will also be discussed and further ways to deepen the progress in implementing recommendations to be identified. Read in Russian: UzDaily, News Mail and 12 News
EGYPT: UNFPA Award Winners Announced
Al Ahram on 30 April reported that an academic institution affiliated with the Al-Azhar University in Egypt and a public health advocate from Uganda announced yesterday as winners of the 2013 United Nations Population Award. The award is given annually to individuals and institutions for outstanding work in population and in improving public health.
SOUTH AFRICA: Helping Mothers With HIV/AIDS
The Mail & Guardian on 19 April reported that almost half of all maternal deaths in South Africa are a result of HIV-related complications. According to the UNFPA, as many as 310 in every 100000 pregnant women in South Africa died during pregnancy or childbirth in 2011. Read in English: The Mail & Guardian
EGYPT: Population Award Presented
Al Ahram on 30 April reported that Ugandan Dr. Gotham Mussenguza received the 2013 United Nations Population Award. Read in Arabic: Al Ahram
DENMARK: Funding Needed for N. Korea
U-landsnyt on 29 April published an article on the need for humanitarian aid in North Korea, highlighting that five major UN organizations (WFP, UNICEF, WHO, FAO and UNFPA) still lack 3/4 of what they appealed in 2013 to support North Korea. The funding is urgent for their work to meet the most critical and life-saving needs of the people of North Korea. Read in English: U-landsnyt