VIET NAM: Girls a Rare Find in 20 Years
Viet Nam Investment Review and Thanh Nien News reported on 9 August that Viet Nam's sex ratio at birth has been rising steadily for the past few years, from the average 105 boys to 100 girls in 1999 to 110:100 in 2006. Meanwhile, 2009’s census showed that the country's sex ratio imbalance stands at 110.5. The census further revealed that sex selection is practiced most in Viet Nam’s Red River Delta provinces and among wealthier households. According to UNFPA, Viet Nam’s predilection for baby boys is linked to pervasive traditional beliefs. Under the country’s patriarchal system, male descendants are expected to carry on the family lineage and to support their parents when they are old. Women, on the other hand, are considered outsiders who will leave the family after marriage. Read: Viet Nam Investment Review and Thanh Nien News
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): UNFPA Plea For Indigenous Women On World Indigenous Peoples’ Day
TeleCongo, DRTV and Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 9 August on World Indigenous Day celebrations under the auspices of State Justice Minister, Aime Emanuel Yoka, presided over by Social Affairs Minister, Emilienne Raoul, along with UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and Human Rights Centre Representatives, and the President of the National Indigenous People Network. In his key note address, UNFPA Representative David Lawson underlined UNFPA’s culturally sensitive actions to facilitate indigenous women's access to reproductive health services, protect them from HIV and gender-based violence, and promote them and their culture. Lastly, Mr. Lawson unveiled a UNFPA 10-commitment 2011 Action Plan for Congolese indigenous people. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville
DENMARK: UNFPA Executive Director highlights work with faith-based organizations on Danish Radio
Danish Broadcast Corporation’s radio program, “Report on Religion” dedicated its 9 August broadcast to the theme of international development, including coverage from Women Deliver 2010. UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid took part in an interview with representatives from Danish and international development organizations. Ms. Obaid stressed that church-based partnerships and community-based approaches are invaluable to the work and mandate of UNFPA. “People go to churches and mosques – places of worship – not only to pray, but also to ask for advice. Now, if we want to work with communities, we can’t but work with the faith based organizations.” “In the area of maternal health, there is a need to change mindsets; changing ways of doing things. And who can advice communities to change their behavior better than the religious leader that they recognize? Faith-based approaches are part of changing communities from within,” said Ms. Obaid. Read in Danish: Danish Broadcast Corporation