AFGHANISTAN: The Worst Place to be a Mother
AlterNet, via IRIN, noted on 17 August a new report from Save the Children that indicated health conditions for Afghani women are the worst in the world. The article discusses maternal mortality and female life expectancy. It quotes Tahir Ghaznavi of UNFPA talking about efforts to improve the situation, specifically through the training of birth attendants. Read in English: AlterNet
AFGHANISTAN: Living Conditions for Women Improved But Mortality Rate Still High
The Daily Outlook Afghanistan reported on 17 August on a joint press conference with UNFPA Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin and Acting Health Minister Dr. Suraya Dalil. Dr. Osotimehin is quoted saying, “Girls going to schools and universities show living conditions for Afghanistan's women have improved” but cites illiteracy, poverty, lack of access to health services as well as child marriages as causes of the high mortality rate. Read in English: The Daily Outlook Afghanistan
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: Workshop Held to Discuss Gender Equality
Lao Voices reported on 17 August on a UNFPA and UN Women supported workshop held by the Lao National Commission for the Advancement of Women on 12 August to “discuss and identify a way forward on the implementation of the National Strategy for the Advancement of Women, 2011-2015. The aim of the workshop was to stimulate discussion about the progress of achieving gender equality in Lao PDR, develop practical tools on how to work towards gender equality in the different sectors and how to measure progress and to provide practical advice on how to implement the new NSAW for 2011-2015 period and hence the requirements from the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.” Read in English: Lao Voices