MACEDONIA: Open Day to Support Victims of Domestic Violence
Multiple media outlets reported on 15 June that the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy in partnership with the United Nations (5 UN agencies and UNFPA as a lead for communication activities) organized an open day to present the results of the programme entitled “Strengthening national capacities to prevent domestic violence.” In one year, more than 500 new victims of domestic violence have been recorded, and 90% of the perpetrators are men. UNFPA’s Sonja Tanevska pointed out some of the key results achieved by the programme saying, “nearly 400 victims have benefited from free legal aid services, more than 800 professionals from the Ministry of Interior, social workers, judges and public prosecutors have been trained to deal better with domestic violence, and a national coordinative body and local preventive bodies have been established in 33 municipalities to work on preventing domestic violence.” Read in Macedonian: Netpress, Makfaks, tocka, Press24, Kurir, Inpres, MTV, Sitel, Sitel, Kanal 5, Telma, Utrinski vesnik
MOZAMBIQUE: UNFPA Launches Girls Diary
Notícias reported on 15 June that youngsters aged 14 to 18 across the country will receive girls diaries with important information on sexual and reproductive health, rights and services, gender-based violence, and stories of women making a difference in the country’s development. The report notes that the UNFPA-supported programme, “Geração Biz,” in a participative process involving experts and youngsters, produced the diary. Astrid Bant, UNFPA deputy representative, told the paper that the information featured in the diary will help girls in their development. The paper also quotes Ms. Bant advising girls to, “concentrate on [their] studies, spend time on useful activities and prevent early pregnancies. Read in Portuguese: Notícias
CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE: UNFPA Representative On Gender Parity Special TV Broadcast
National television channels Tele-Congo, Top TV, MN TV and DRTV are broadcasting until the July 2012 legislative elections a special show on the representation of women in political, elective and administrative decision-making positions in Congo. The show features women's rights activists, UNFPA Representative David Lawson and journalists. This broadcast is meant to encourage political parties to include women as candidates and in their campaigns, and to favour the engagement of women in electoral processes. Mr. Lawson also pleads for the rapid adoption of the gender parity law announced by President Sassou Nguesso, and currently under review by the Government.
ARMENIA: Expert on Prenatal Sex Selection Meets With Journalists
Multiple media outlets reported on 15 June on the meeting of Christophe Guilmoto, one of the world’s leading experts on prenatal sex selection, with Armenian journalists. Mr. Guilmoto’s recent research on prenatal sex selection and involvement started with India, China, and Viet Nam and has been extended to Eastern Europe and South Caucasus. Currently, he is working on projections for Armenia in terms of prenatal sex selection consequences for the country. This work is a follow-up to the UNFPA Armenia study conducted in 2011 devoted to the prevalence of and reasons for sex-selective abortions in Armenia. Read in Russian: News.am, Aravot Daily. Read in Armenian: Aravot Daily, Arvot Daily, Panorama.am, Panorama.am, News.am, Azg Daily, Hraparak Daily, Mardik.am, Henaran.am, Hayeli.am.
TAJIKISTAN: Training of Midwives
Avesta and Khovar reported on 15 June on a national training of trainers on emergency obstetric care for midwives. The training was held in Dushanbe from 12-19 May and was conducted with support of the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Republic of Tajikistan and UNFPA. UNFPA Tajikistan will work with MoH and other international partners to strengthen the capacity of midwives in Tajikistan within its reproductive health programme. Read in Russian: Avesta and Khovar
ARMENIA: Report Finds 1,400 Sex-Selective Abortions Carried Out Annually
News.am on 15 June reported on the release of a UNFPA report saying "1,400 girls are not born in Armenia every year because of sex-selective abortions." UNFPA prepared the report with assistance from Armenia's Health Ministry and the Institute of Reproductive Health, Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Read in English: News.am