THE GAMBIA: Stop FGM – It Has a Negative Impact on Women’s Health
Foroyaa published an op-ed by Sarjo Camara Singhateh on 15 September calling for an end to female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), noting, “Gamcotrap has been engaging media practitioners ranging from senior reporters, editors and managers in building their capacities on harmful traditional practices and domestic violence/violence against women. The gender focal point at UNFPA, Madam Fatou Kinteh said, ‘Traditional Cultural practices reflect values and beliefs held by members of a community for very long years, often spanning generations. Every social grouping in the world has specific traditional cultural practices and beliefs, some of which are beneficial to all members while others are harmful to a specific group such as women.’” Read: Foroyaa
THE GAMBIA: Journalists Take Part in Training on FGM/C
PANA reported on 4 September that a three-day, capacity-building training on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) for 30 media practitioners across the Gambia got underway on 3 September. Organized by The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices affecting The Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP), with the support of the UNFPA joint programme to accelerate the stoppage of FGM/C, the training is meant to build the capacity of the participants for effective and progressive reporting on harmful traditional practices and domestic violence. Read: PANA
GAMBIA: TAC Members Sensitized on Maternal Mortality Rate
The Daily Observer reported on 17 August that members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) in the Central River region were recently sensitized on maternal mortality at the Governor's Bantaba in Janjangbureh. The sensitization was organized by the Reproductive and Child Health Programme Unit under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the UNFPA and WHO. The purpose of the forum was to inform TAC members on the maternal mortality rate in the country. Read: The Daily Observer
THE GAMBIA: Maternal Care Guideline Document Validated
The Daily Observer reported on 12 August that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare validated the Maternal Care Guideline document at the National Nutrition Agency in Kanifing. The validation workshop is a follow-up activity to the Campaign for Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA). Funded by UNFPA, it brought together various institutions from the public and private sectors. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Mamadi Cham, the director of Health Services, said the document is meant to reduce maternal mortality, which is part of the MDGs 4 and 5, as well as to reduce maternal mortality by 75 per cent by 2015. Read: The Daily Observer
THE GAMBIA: GAMCOTRAP Encourages Governors, Others to Advocate for a Law On FGM
Foroyaa reported on 11 August that GAMCOTRAP has concluded consultation with Local Government Authorities, including National Women Councillors, on advocacy for a law on Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, as well as a sensitization workshop with Circumcisers, traditional Birth Attendants and Women leaders at Kaira Konko in Soma, Lower River Region. Programme Officer at the UNFPA, Alhajie Kolley, said UNFPA is supporting the Government and Civil Society Organizations in the campaign to eliminate FGM in the Gambia. Read: Foroyaa
THE GAMBIA: Journalists Trained on FGM/C
The Daily Observer reported on 27 July that the Association of Health Journalists of The Gambia in collaboration with UNFPA recently organized a 3-day workshop for 30 journalists across the country on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. Read: The Daily Observer
CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD POPULATION DAY 2010
ARMENIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 13 July on the celebration of World Population Day in Armenia. UNFPA and partners held the event to highlight the crucial role of data for development instrumental for better tracking and measuring progress toward achievement of the MDGs and for providing an evidence base to guide national policy making. On the occasion of this globally observed day UNFPA in collaboration with partners launched the findings of three nation-wide representative surveys on fertility patterns and preferences and intimate partner violence in Armenia. Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator and UNFPA Representative in Armenia stated in remarks opening the event, “Data helps leaders and policy-makers to make informed decisions about policies and programmes to reduce poverty and hunger, and advance education, health and gender equality.” Read: Armenian Public Radio in Armenian: Armenpress
BANGLADESH: The Daily Star published an op-ed by Md. Asadullah Khan on 15 July on rapid national and global population growth and the history of population policies. Mr. Khan wrote, “While observing the World Population Day, with the slogan ‘Everyone counts,’ stalwarts in the administration and experts in population science cautioned that this unplanned growth of population would further complicate the process of meeting the demand for food, basic health requirements and educational facilities -- triggering unemployment and social unrest in the country.” He called for a renewed family planning effort in Bangladesh “Endorsing the views of Alex Marshall of the UN Population Fund, the programme should be launched in such a humane manner that it does not hurt the sentiments of the rural people. The message should be; there is no such thing as population control. Alex says: ‘You don't control it. You allow people to make up their mind.’” Read: The Daily Star
BOTSWANA: BOPA reported on 16 July on commemorations of World Population Day. UNFPA Representative Sarah Masale said censuses are central to their mandate and mission, adding in Botswana they are substantially involved in the preparations of the forthcoming census exercise hence they are providing technical assistance and material support. She said the census and population data play a critical role in the development and humanitarian response and recovery.
BURKINA FASO: Sidwaya and Le Pays reported on 8 July on the official ceremony of the commemoration of the World Population Day 2010 in Ouagadougou. The Representative of UNICEF Coordinator ad interim read the message which the General Secretary of United Nations delivered at the time of the World Population Day and Sankara Olga, Officer in Charge of UNFPA/Burkina delivered the message of the Executive Director of the UNFPA. Read in French: Sidwaya
CAMEROON: Cameroon Tribune reported on 15 July that the MINEPAT (ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development) and development partners praised the UNFPA country's efforts to update demographic data. The WPD celebration took place in Maroua, the capital of the Far-North region. The 2010 celebration of the World Population Day coincided with the year during which results of the third General Population and Housing Census were published. UNFPA Representative Alain Sibenaler said that this is a great opportunity for Cameroon to access to reliable data because it is one of the conditions of good governance, transparency and effective accountability. He noted that the demographic data helps leaders to make good decisions. Regarding policies and programmes to fight against poverty and hunger and promote education, health and gender equality, Mr. Sibenaler noted that the MDGs in Cameroon show some progress but require stronger action on MDGs 4 and 5 – at the core of all the other MDGs. Walking the talk, UNFPA donated a large consignment of medical equipment, valuated at 15 million CFA francs to the Maroua Regional Hospital.
CAPE VERDE: Multiple media outlets reported on 11-12 July on events marking World Population Day in the country, including a workshop The workshop addressed the theme of Cape Verde’s upcoming census theme “All of us count and we count with all of you,” which fits with this year’s World Population Day theme, “Everyone Counts.” In addition to the workshop, numerous public events were held, and players in the country’s football final wore shirts publicing the theme. Read in Portuguese: RTC and Listen in Portuguese: RTC
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Les Depeches de Brazzaville, DRTV, TV-Congo and Congo-site reported on 11-14 July on the celebration of World Population Day. At the launching ceremony with Women's Affairs Minister, Ms. Jeanne Francoise Leckomba Loumeto and Economy Minister Cabinet Director, UNFPA Representative, Mr. David Lawson saluted the Government completion of the 2007 Population Census. Results should be publicly announced shortly. Mr. Lawson congratulated the Government for financing up to 98 per cent of its census, a rare and noteworthy situation in Africa. He said: "in Congo like elsewhere, the census is essential for the economic development of the country, and must be exempt of non technical considerations." Read in French: Congo-Site, Congo-Site and Watch in French: TV-Congo
COSTA RICA: Multiple media outlets reported on 13-14 July that although the population census will begin in May 2011, with a trial of the census questionnaire to be held between the 23 and 27 August in the community of Palmares. The questionnaire, which includes 30 questions on population and 21 related to housing, will be tested. This information was unveiled during the celebration of World Population Day, organized by UNFPA and National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. Read in Spanish: Diario Extra, La Nación, La prensa Libre
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Le Potential reported on 13 July and Uhuru published on 12 June an op-ed by UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid marking World Population Day. Le Potentiel noted UNFPA’s support for the government’s census planning. Read in French: Le Potentiel and Uhuru
ETHIOPIA: Ethiopian News Agency reported on 15 July that Finance and Economic Development State Minister, Mekonen Manyazewal said government is endeavoring to ensure population sensitive sustainable development. Addressing a symposium held in connection with World Population Day, the minister said effective implementation of the national population policy is vital to ensure sustainable development. The head of UNFPA's Ethiopia office, Benoit Kalasa lauded Ethiopia’s effort to control population growth to reduce poverty in the country. Read: Ethiopian News Agency
THE GAMBIA/THE PHILLIPINES: The Daily Observer (The Gambia) published an editorial on 12 July marking World Population Day and noting that UNFPA, in a statement released for World Population Day, called on governments to promote women's reproductive health and prevent maternal and child deaths through family planning programmes and the use of contraceptives. Even the person in charge of direct aid for the poor in the Philippines, Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral, is pushing for the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill as resources shrink in the recession and the population continues to boom. Read: The Daily Observer
GUATEMALA: The Guatemala Times reported on 13 July on celebrations of World Population Day, noting that UNFPA works with many partners, both within and outside the United Nations system, including governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society, faith-based organizations, religious leaders and others, to achieve its mission. To better respond to local needs, UNFPA increasingly devotes resources to country-led efforts, placing emphasis on country-focused and country-led implementation to achieve improved results, at the same time addressing mutual accountability and strengthening harmonization and alignment. Read: The Guatemala Times
GUINEA-BISSAU: Nô Pintcha reported on 15 July on the celebration of World Population Day on 9 July. World Population day 2010 had the theme "Everyone Counts” with a focus on the publication of data collected from the 2009 population and housing Census. The UN in Guinea-Bissau called on the Government and the country’s decision makers to effectively utilize the data collected from the Census 2009 in order to make the most efficient investments that meet the needs and circumstances of the population and help to lift people out of poverty. The Prime Minister, the UNFPA Representative and the UN System Coordinator, highlighted the importance of collecting data as a planning tool for development in their speeches. Read in Portuguese: Nô Pintcha
HAITI: Multiple media outlets reported on 8-18 July that World Population Day was celebrated around the topic “Everyone Counts.” The topic “Everyone count” is chosen to stress the census cycle 2010, data analysis for development and the leading role of the agency in terms of population and development. As part of World Population Day celebrations, a workshop was held in Port-au-Prince on the topic of new technologies for census-taking. In addition, stories addressed the upcoming census, the first since the devastating January 2010 earthquake. An accurate will play a crucial role in setting policies. Read in French: AHP Haiti, AlterPresse (18 July) Haiti en Marche, HPN Haiti, AlterPresse (8 July) and in Spanish: AlterPresse
INDONESIA: UN Radio reported on 15 July and Sinar Harapan reported on 13 July that Indonesia does not have data on maternal mortatlity at the district level. Zahidul Huque, UNFPA Representative said, “Maternal mortality in Indonesia is quite high given its economic condition and the infrastructure and we really need to have some good base line that we can refer to because right now we don't have data on maternal mortality at district level, but with the census we can have it at the district level." Read: UN Radio and Read in Bahasa Indonesia: Sinar Harapan
The Jakarta Post reported on 12 July that UNFPA Representative in Indonesia Zahidul Huque said the UN body expected the Indonesian census would provide specific data on instances of maternal mortality, to help Indonesia reach its Millennium Development Goals. “Maternal mortality is still common in Indonesia, but we need a baseline to work with as a reference,” Mr. Huque said. Read: The Jakarta Post
IRAN: IRNA reported on 8 July on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s statement marking World Population Day. “This year, some 6O countries are collecting data and counting people as part of the 2O1O census process. A census is the only statistical operation that covers the whole population and all areas of a country. UNFPA and other partners are supporting this massive effort in many parts of the world" Secretary Ban said.
JAMAICA: Multiple media outlets reported on 12-15 July events marking World Population Day in Jamaica, including an event attended by UNFPA sub-regional office for the Caribbean, Hernando Agudelo, where plans for the the country’s upcoming census were discussed. Read: Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica Observer, Kingston Chronicle
MALAWI: The Nation reported on 16 July on the commemoration of World Population Day in the country, which included UNFPA-sponsored public lectures around the day’s theme of “Everyone Counts.” The events addressed population and development issues, including the country’s ongoing rapid population growth.
NAMIBIA: The New Era reported on 13 July that Namibia commemorated World Population Day with the main event taking place in the Khomas Region. UNFPA Representative Fabian Byomuhangi, who read a speech on behalf of the UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, said: “The theme everyone counts is a theme that speaks of the inherent value and dignity of each human being.” Read: The New Era
NICARAGUA: La Prensa reported on 17 July on the release of a study on population dynamics in Nicaragua released to coincide with World Population Day. According to the study, Managua has expanded so much that the recently named Metropolitan Region and is composed of 30 municipalities in the four departments in the country. Read in Spanish: La Prensa
NIGER: L’Evènement, Le Sahel and l’Indépendant Plus reported on 13-15 July on the celebration of the World Population Day in Tahoua. The Minister of Population, the UNFPA Representative and the Governor of the Tahoua region, highlighted the importance of collecting data as a planning tool for development in their speeches. After the ceremony, they visited a health centre of women living with fistula and waiting for treatment.
NIGERIA: This Day reported on 15 July that as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark World Population Day, stakeholders yesterday in Abuja said effective use of population data and statistics remains a key strategy to attaining the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals Challenge. This was the submission by Discussants at the event declared to mark World Population Day, according to the Executive Director of the National Population Commission, Samu'ila Danko Makama, "the Federal Government is conscious of the significant role of statistical data in its commitment to providing better life for Nigerians, the key to fulfilling the MDGs target, is availability of data, after the 2006 census exercise, efforts have been made to ensure that this primary objective is met." Also speaking at the event, UNFPA Resident Representative Agathe Lawson observed that, "with world attention focused on achieving the MDGs by 2015, and the up coming summit, the availability of consistent and comparable statistical information has become even more crucial.” Read: This Day
PAKISTAN: Dawn reported on 12 July on World Population Day, noting that Pakistan has a large population and a high population growth rate. It is home to 180 million people, half of which are women, with 4.8 million children added every year. Somewhere in the country, every hour, three women die because of pregnancy associated complications - amounting to more than 30,000 women dying every year. According to UNFPA, one in three of all deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth could be avoided if women who wanted effective contraception had access to it. Family Planning is no doubt one of the most effective and cheapest interventions available for optimal birth spacing and to improve maternal, newborn and child health. Read: DAWN
SENEGAL: Le Soleil reported on 12 July on the celebration of World Population Day. At an event marking World Population Day, UNFPA Representative Rose Gakuba advocated for improving the availability and use of population data for strategic planning of development particularly in poverty reduction program. This year’s theme, “Everyone Counts,” also drew attention to the process of preparation General Census of Population and Housing (GCPH), which will held on 2011. It will be combined with the second national census of agriculture (NAS), the first census of livestock and the Demographic and Health Survey. UNFPA is supporting GCPH and DHS. Read in French: Le Soleil and Le Soleil
SUDAN: Sudan National TV reported on 18 July that the National Population Council in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund celebrated the World Population Day in Khartoum. UNFPA Officer in Charge, Sharareh Amirkhalili addressed the event stressing the significance of data in development planning in Sudan. Ms. Amirkhalili reiterated the importance of capacity development in the areas of not only data collection but also analysis, dissemination, and utilization of data to strengthen Sudan’s institutional capacity for integration of population issues into development planning, particularly at the local level where the need is greater.
SWAZILAND: The Times of Swaziland and The Swazi Observer reported on 15 July on remarks by Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini and Edwin Huiszen, Director of the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for East and Southern Africa to mark World Population Day. Both commented on the country’s falling life expectancy and rising maternal and newborn mortality, both of which are connected to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
TANZANIA: IPP Media published an editorial on 15 July on World Population Day. It wrote, “UNFPA has been celebrating the World Population Day, reflecting on its activities in various countries, especially the developing ones, where it is supporting countries' efforts to build capacities for data collection and analysis, especially through the population and Housing censuses. Its theme this year is:"Everyone counts." It is a theme which UNFPA Representative Julitta Onabanjo said reflected the importance of population census and surveys in national development planning, reiterating UNFPA's role in assisting poor countries to carry them out.
THAILAND: Multiple media outlets reported on 9-18 July on World Population Day commemorations in Thailand and around the world. UNFPA was an organizer of a seminar on 9 July where Najib Assifi, UNFPA Representative in Thailand and Deputy Regional Director, Asia and the Pacific Regional Office, opened the function at noon followed by the Prime Minister's key note speech on "Better Data: Better Development" which emphasized the importance of data for development and challenges Thailand is facing from the rapid population aging, high population mobility and foreign migrants. An expert panel discussed the rapid demographic changes under way in Thailand and highlighted the important role census data can play in national development and business planning. At the same function, there was a screening of "Everyone Counts," a film produced by UNFPA Thailand to promote the upcoming census in Thailand was very much impressed by the audience.
URUGUAY: Multiple media outlets reported on 10-15 July on an event to celebrate World Population Day. UNFPA presented with the University of the Republic the first master program in the country on demography and population studies. Presenters highlighted the importance of demographic data to better attend population needs and stressed that the census foreseen for 2011 will increase substantially the amount and quality of demographic data, then improving policy making in the country. The last census was carried out in 1996. Read in Spanish: El Observador, Espectador, Sociedad Uruguaya, IPS and Semanario Eco,
THE GAMBIA: UNFPA Supports RAID Efforts to Reach Youth
The Daily Observer reported on 30 June and Today reported on 29 June that the National Youth Council on behalf of UNFPA presented a vehicle to RAID The Gambia, a voluntary youth organisation working in the areas of drug abuse and alcohol and other problems confronting young people. The Daily Observer and Today
THE GAMBIA: Training Addresses Teenage Pregnancy
The Daily Observer reported on 14 June that RAID The Gambia recently held a training for school councilors of Kerewan and Njawara Basic Cycle School on prevention of drug abuse, and HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy in Kerewan, North Bank Region. Speaking at the occasion, Sambujang Conteh, the director of RAID, underscored the importance his organization attaches to raising the awareness level of youths on the effects of drugs and substances abuse. He used the occasion to thank UNFPA for providing such needed assistance to RAID The Gambia and for their continuous promotion of the sexual and reproductive education of the youth, with particular focus on drugs, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, illegal migration and roles of youth in national development. Read: The Daily Observer
THE GAMBIA: Plans To Train More Staff On Disaster Management Policy
Today reported on 27 April that Binta Sey Jadama, coordinator of Kanifing Municipal Council Disaster Management Committee has revealed that more plans are in the pipeline to train the staff of the council on the National Disaster Management Agency Act and Policy including other disaster related issues that will enable them to be more equipped. To achieve its goals, the KMC has partnered with numerous other departments and institutions, including UNFPA. Read: Today
THE GAMBIA: NYC Donates Computer, Satellite Equipment to Farafenni Youth Centre
Today reported on 27 April that officials of the National Youth Council, led by Executive Secretary Marchel Mendy, presented desktop computers and accessories, satellite disk, receivers and a Jamano telephone to Farafenni Youth Centre in the North Bank Region. Executive secretary Marchel Mendy for his part commended the youths of the region for their active participation in promoting youth development. Mr. Mendy used the forum to acknowledge the support NYC continues to benefit from UNFPA and UNICEF in promoting the reproductive and sexual health of young people. Read: Today
THE GAMBIA: APGWA/UNFPA Launched Anti-FGM Campaign in Njawara
Freedom Newspaper reported on 20 April that the Association for the Promotion of Girl’s and Women’s Advancement (APGWA) in Collaboration with UNFPA on 17 April launched an anti-FGM Campaign at the Njawara Agricultural Training Centre in the North Bank Region—with the aim of discouraging the cultural practices which poses a major health risk to the girl child. Read: Freedom Newspaper
GAMBIA: Involving Security Agents To Stop FGM/C
Today reported on 13 April that members of the country’s security apparatus have been called upon to put an end to the incidence of female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) and other forms of violence against women and girls. This appeal was made at a training programme targeted at security officers in different regions of Gambia organized by GAMCOTRAP under the UNFPA joint programme to accelerate the elimination of FGM in Africa. The training targeted fifty security officers in the Central River Region held at the Bansang Youth Centre. Read: Today
THE GAMBIA: GAMCOTRAP Recruits Niani Elders in FGM/C Fight
Today reported on 24 February that GAMCOTRAP, an NGO, is recruiting the elders of Niani in its campaign against female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). As part of the UNFPA-backed initiative, over 100 participants from nine communities recently converged in Wassu to discuss FGM/C alongside other issues affecting the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and children. Read: Today
COVERAGE OF INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION/CUTTING
AFRICA: Afrique en Ligne reported on 8 February that UNFPA says 3 million girls are still at the risk of genital mutilation each year. In a message to mark International Day against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), UNFPA called for a change of perception on the practice. The agency noted that decline in FGM had been recorded in some communities, which have chosen to make public declarations against the practice. It cited Senegal, where genital mutilation had declined by up to 65 percent. “Success in reducing the incidence in several countries where it was once highly prevalent has occurred as a result of culturally sensitive engagement with local communities and encouraging change from within,” UNFPA said. Read: Afrique en Ligne
BANGLADESH: Right Vision News reported on 13 February that UNFPA said over 130 million girls and women have undergone some form of genital cutting.
GAMBIA: Today reported on 8 February on the UNFPA statement on the International Day on Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Bintou Susso, UNFPA programme officer in Gambia said that the inclusion of men and boys in bringing about change in all aspects of promoting gender equality as well as accelerating the abandonment of FGM/C is necessary. This year's theme for the International Day on Zero Tolerance to FGM is "The Role of Men and Boys in the Eradication of FGM/C." Read: Today
YEMEN: IRIN reported on 10 February that, nearly a decade after a ban on health workers performing female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Yemen, the harmful practice continues unabated, with the government saying more research is needed before an outright ban can be imposed. UNFPA and UNICEF recently estimated that worldwide 120-140 million women have been subjected to the practice and 3 million girls continue to be at risk each year. “The practice persists because it is sustained by social perceptions, including that girls and their families will face shame, social exclusion and diminished marriage prospects if they forego cutting. These perceptions can, and must, change,” said a joint UNFPA, UNICEF statement on 6 February, the international day against FGM. Read: IRIN
Yemen Observer reported on 9 February that on the occasion of the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, observed on 6 February, the UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid and UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman issued statement in which they stated that progress has been made in recent years in reducing the incidence of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C), largely because communities and families are taking action and calling for change. Read: Yemen Observer
GAMBIA: UNFPA Country Programme 2007-2011 Reviewed
The Daily Observer reported 28 January that stakeholders from the government of Gambia and UNFPA gathered to review the UNFPA 2007-2011 mid-term supported country programme. The one-day forum will help both the government and UNFPA to know what has been achieved so far, the constraints and what should be done in order to overcome these challenges to achieve the goals and outcomes of the country programme. Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Reuben Mboge, UNFPA assistant representative, thanked the government of Gambia and other development partners for their unflinching support to the country programme. Read: Daily Observer
GAMBIA: Government Calls for Prioritizing Conservation
Today reported 12 January that the Governor of North Bank Region, Alh. Eduwarr Seckan, has commended the UNFPA and the National Population Commission Secretariat for promoting and advocating for the conservation and protection of meager resources, noting that some of the environmental problems facing humanity are man-made ones and therefore all hands should be on deck to help salvage what is becoming a precarious situation in terms of the state of the environment and its climate. Read: Today
GAMBIA: Partners Hold Meeting on Gender-Based Violence
Foroyaa reported 11 January that, as part of efforts and strategies to eradicate gender based violence in the Gambia, a one day regional consultative meeting was organized by the UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Programme and Trust Fund for the accelerated abandonment of Gender Based Violence, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Women’s bureau. Read: Foroyaa
GAMBIA: Gender-Based Violence
Foroyaa reported 5 January that, as part of efforts and strategies to eradicate gender based violence in the Gambia, a one day regional consultative meeting was organized by the UNFPA/UNICEF joint programme and Trust fund for the accelerated abandonment of Gender Based Violence in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Women's bureau.
THE GAMBIA: CRR Population Task Force Holds Meeting
The Daily Observer reported 15 December that the Central River Region (CRR) Population task force members held their meeting in Janjangbureh. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues on population activities and UNFPA-funded projects in the region. Read: The Daily Observer
GAMBIA: African Youth Day Celebrated
Foroyaa reported 11 December that, at an event marking African Youth Day, Assistant Representative of UNFPA, Dr. Reuben Mboge, said that the theme for this year links youth productivity with stability and economic development. The theme was selected by the African Union to encourage youth involvement in contributing to economic development, poverty reduction and conscientious efforts to promote human development and stability in member states. Read: Foroyaa
THE GAMBIA: Second Dropping of the Knife Ceremony Held for Circumcisers
Foroyaa reported 9 December that the second dropping of the knife event through a public declaration by 60 circumcisers and 351 communities in the Upper and Central River Region of the Gambia was held on the 5 of December at the Basse Mini Stadium. Mr. Rueben Mboge, UNFPA Assistant country representative, said this event is important as it marked the second dropping of the knife through a public declaration of circumcisers and communities to protect their children against Female Genital Mutilation. Read: Foroyaa
THE GAMBIA: Insurance Association, Others Give to Disaster Victims
The Daily Observer reported 12 October that the vice president and minister of Women's Affairs received delegations from various institutions, and organizations who were at her office to make donations in kind and cash to the disaster victims in the country. The latest batch of donors included UNFPA. Read: The Daily Observer