COLOMBIA: Country Must Be More Aggressive in Promotion, Distribution And Education On Condom Use
El Tiempo reported on 15 September that Colombia must be more aggressive in the promotion, distribution and education on the use of condom. This was stated by Mary Luz Mejia, an adviser for sexual and reproductive health at UNFPA, during the presentation of the campaign “For a meaningful sexuality”, involving the ministries of Social Welfare and Education. Read in Spanish: El Tiempo
PARAGUAY: Asunción will host the Tenth Conference of RIICOTEC
Neike reported on 15 September that the X Conference of RIICOTEC - Iberoamerican Intergovernmental Network for Technical Cooperation was to be held in Asuncion. The conference, which will involve experts on topics such as the elderly and disabled in Latin America, was to be attended by representatives of governments, Pan American Health, UNFPA and the Economic Commission for Latin America and Caribbean American Organization. Read in Spanish: Neike
NIGERIA: Why Must They Die?
The Daily Trust published an op-ed by Adamu Zakari of Bayero University, Kano, on 15 September arguing, “Why the people that constitute about 49 per cent of the Nigerian population should face death threat simply because they are trying to fulfil their divine and moral obligation! It is worthy to note that recent statistics of maternal death in Nigeria is alarming. Nigeria is a signatory to the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) document, whose fifth goal is geared towards promoting maternal health. But unfortunately, UNFPA reports reveal that about 60,000 women die each year in Nigeria as a result of pregnancy and its related complication." Read: The Daily Trust
GHANA: Cape Coast Executive Calls for Women’s Participation
The Mail reported on 15 September that the Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Anthony Egyir Aikins, has encouraged women to show interest in the forthcoming district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies' elections to help the National Democratic Congress administration hit its 40 per cent target for women’s participation. Speaking at the opening of a three-day workshop for 50 female aspiring assembly members at Cape Coast, Mr. Aikins said the low number of women in the assemblies militates against the achievement of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3, which ensures women empowerment in the decision-making process. The programme is being organized by the Women's Department and sponsored by UNFPA and International Idea. Read: The Mail
GHANA: Integrate Population Variables Into Development Planning, Assemblies Told
GNA reported on 15 September that Moses Bukari Mabengba, Northern Regional Minister, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the region to integrate population variables into their development planning processes. Mr. Mabengba was addressing a one-day regional advocacy seminar on the 2010 Population and Housing Census organized by the National Population Council in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service in Tamale. It was sponsored by the Government of Ghana and UNFPA. Read: GNA
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
GABON: Government Stepping Up Early Pregnancy Prevention
L'Union reported on 15 September on early pregnancy in Gabon and actions taken by the Health Ministry to tackle it head-on. These actions are resulting from the International Conference organized by the government on 26-27 May with the support of the South African Embassy, UNFPA and UNICEF. Among the most recent actions, from 15 August to 12 September, the Ministry has undertaken a sensitization campaign towards young people in schools. A number of prevention activities have been planned towards a variety of audiences.
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Movie Industry Joins UNFPA Against Gender Biases
Les Depeches de Brazzaville reported on 15 September 2010 on the cooperation between UNFPA and Congolese movie maker Nadege Batou. In the framework of its partnership with the Women's Affairs Ministry, UNFPA has commissioned a television series on reducing gender biases in Congo. The sitcom in twelve chapters features the most renowned cast in Congo "Les Boulistes" and will aim to support the fight against all forms of discrimination and violence against women. The sitcom is considered one of the most respected in Africa, was acclaimed in Yaounde, Cameroon, in 2009 and was screened at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival. UNFPA Representative David Lawson hopes that the pedagogical value of this sitcom will help reach out to young people and future generations. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville