MOZAMBIQUE: National Journalists Syndicate Backs Population and Development Communicators Network
Daily Notícias reported on 29 April that the National Syndicate of Journalists (SNJ) is backing the creation of a network of population and development communicators in Mozambique to foster coverage of issues otherwise neglected. Eduardo Constantino, SNJ Secretary General, said in a meeting with editors and head of news departments that a steering committee is working on a proposal that will lead to the formalization of the network. The process is supported by UNFPA.
MÉXICO: HIV/AIDS Campaign Targets Youth
Imagen de Golfo reported on 29 April that Carlos García de León, director of prevention and social participation announced a campaign aimed at reducing HIV/AIDS transmission among young people. The campaign’s slogan “the football gives you a rematch, not AIDS,” is aimed at the population between 15 and 24 years old because in this age group accounts for 45 percent of new infections globally. The project will be disseminated in media such as radio and television about a month, and is the result of a collaboration with UNFPA. Read in Spanish: Imagen de Golfo
ECUADOR: Dialogue for the Eradication Of Gender-Based Violence
Globedia reported on 29 April on a workshop on eradicating gender-based violence. The workshop aims to provide a space for dialogue on progress and challenges in ending gender-based violence and is part of a national plan for the eradication of violence against women and children. It is sponsored by the Ecuadorian Center for Alternative Development and Studies (CEDEAL) and supported by UNFPA. Read in Spanish: Globedia
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: UN Officials Call for Protection of Civilians
Pana reported on 29 April and UN News Service reported on 30 April that Margot Wallstrom, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, urged the UN Security Council to address gender-based violence, while John Holmes, the top United Nations humanitarian official visited the province of South Kivu in the troubled east of the DRC and stressed that protecting civilians and ensuring they have access to aid remains ultimately the responsibility of the national authorities. Both articles noted that, in 2009, according to the UNFPA, an estimated 8,300 rapes were committed against women, averaging 160 rapes per week. Read: Pana and UN News Service