THE PHILIPPINES: UNFPA Representative Presents Credentials
The Philippine Star reported on 21 November that the new UNFPA representative Ugochi Florence Daniels has presented her credentials to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. The UNFPA country office in the Philippines works hand in hand with the government at the national and local levels on AIDS prevention, the promotion of gender equality and safe motherhood, and reproductive health advocacy. Read: The Philippine Star
MALAWI: 29 Women Get a New Lease on Life
The Daily Times reported on 21 November that 29 women were treated for obstetric fistula thanks to a UNFPA-funded fistula camp at Zomba Central Hospital.
INDIA: “Room to Read” Is Making a Difference to Children’s Education
Calcutta Tube reported on 21 November that an initiative called “Room to Read” is making a difference to children’s education needs and helping to nurture the pleasure of reading books. Room to Read focuses on literacy and gender equality in education, and works in nine Asian and African countries. In India, Room to Read started in 2003, and since then has supported 2,081 girls, set up 3,295 libraries and published 74 books for children. Literacy is one of the primary concerns of Room to Read, especially in India, one of the countries with a lagging literacy rate, according to UNFPA. Read: Calcutta Tube
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
BELARUS: Belapan News reported on 20 November on concerts organized for the information campaign against domestic violence. The campaign is financed and organized by UN agencies. The Ministry of Internal affairs is the campaign’s national partner. UNFPA Programme Analyst Tatyana Haplichnik said, “Domestic violence is a closed and ‘not convenient’ topic for discussion. Our campaign is an attempt to start this conversation and encourage young people to sincerely talk about these problems.” Read in Russian: Belapan
GEORGIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 19-21 November that UNFPA was to conduct a media meeting on the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. The campaign is being celebrated in Georgia under the coordination of UNFPA/Georgia with the support of the Parliamentary Gender Equality Council and in close cooperation with the international and non-governmental organizations working in the field. This year, over 70 events are planned within the framework of the campaign, including the official opening of the campaign at the Parliament of Georgia, an award ceremony for journalists on best gender media works, a South Caucasus regional photo exhibition on gender, thematic movie screenings, information sessions and other events. Read: Interpress News, and in Georgian: 24 Saati, Interpress News, MediaNews.GE
INDONESIA: Jakarta Post reported on 21 November that UNFPA’s “Dimulai dari Saya!” (Starts with Me) online competition to campaign for the eradication of violence against women attracted 800 participants. The competition is timed to coincide with the “16 Days of Activism,” starting on 25 November, the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concluding on 10 December, Human Rights Day. Read: Jakarta Post