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UNFPA programme to help turn climate information into action
UNITED NATIONS, New York – World leaders committed to take decisive action to address global climate change at yesterday’s historic United Nations Climate Summit. Among these commitments, leaders pledged to promote the…
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Seven years of resistance: One girl’s fight against FGM
Nancy Tomee resisted female genital mutilation (FGM) for seven long years, enduring bullying and abuse before a local organization intervened on her behalf. Yesterday, Ms. Tomee spoke to dignitaries at the United…
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Empowering girls key to Africa's success, leaders affirm
“With significant investments in the education of young girls, sexual and reproductive health for youth and adolescents, as well as women’s empowerment in our counties, we will change the face of the Sahel,” President…
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Human rights, dignity must form cornerstone of future sustainable development
“We cannot talk about sustainable development without addressing women’s empowerment, gender inequality, and discrimination and violence,” said UNFPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. “We cannot talk about…
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In race to save women's lives, solutions are within reach, says UNFPA head
NEW YORK, United States - There are fewer than 500 days left to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and too little progress has been made towards reducing maternal and child deaths. Yet simple, proven…
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Religious leaders call for action on sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights at UN
UNITED NATIONS, New York - A delegation of faith leaders at the United Nations today issued a rousing call to action on the fulfilment and protection of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Their declaration,…
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Gender equality guaranteed in Tunisia's new constitution
Tunisia
TUNIS/NEW YORK - Tunisia's adoption of a constitution guaranteeing equal rights and protection from gender-based violence is a huge step forward, says Meherzia Laabidi, the vice-president of the country's…
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In Thailand's refugee camps, shifting attitudes about sexual and reproductive health
Thailand
MAE SOT, Thailand - Visiting a sexual and reproductive health clinic may seem ordinary for many women. But this is not the case for Saba, 21, who has been living in the Mae La refugee camp along Thailand's border…
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Combating Tanzania's high child marriage rates
Tanzania, United Republic of
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania - Happiness, from the Mara Region of Tanzania, was 12 years old when her parents decided she was old enough to be married. They pulled her from school, planned to have her undergo female genital…
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Pregnant women forced to flee escalating crisis in Iraq
Iraq
DUHOK, Iraq - With hostilities nearing her village in northern Iraq, 30-year-old Khawla had little choice but to flee - while she was eight months pregnant. She and her seven children spent days on the run before…
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Sierra Leone saves lives with sunlight
Sierra Leone
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Fatmata Kamara, from Sierra Leone’s Kambia District, could not hide her surprise when she learned she would not have to bring candles or a torch to the clinic when she was ready to deliver her…
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Ageing population doesn’t have to be a ‘time bomb,’ say experts
Thailand
CHIANG MAI, Thailand - The catastrophe predicted to result from the rapid ageing of Asian populations is far from inevitable, said experts at a regional conference organized by the HelpAge International with support…
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