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Dropping the knife: One woman joins the fight for women’s rights in the Gambia
The Gambia
For years, Aja Babung Sidibeh would gathered girls together in the Central River Region of the Gambia and prepared them to take part in an initiation rite. The girls would come stay with her until a circumciser arrived…
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The world must make faster progress to end female genital mutilation by 2030
It irreparably damages girls’ bodies, inflicting excruciating pain. It causes extreme emotional trauma that can last a lifetime.
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In Botswana, future depends on investments in young people
Botswana
Two years ago, 12-year-old Xhute could not afford shoes to wear to class. She was forced to drop out of school – like her mother before her. Xhute’s mother also started having children when she was very young. She gave…
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In Colombia, efforts to end FGM are empowering women to be leaders
Colombia
Solany Zapata first heard about female genital mutilation (FGM) when she gave birth to her daughter. Her mother-in-law insisted she had to cut her newborn’s clitoris. Shocked, Ms. Zapata refused.
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New study finds child marriage rising among most vulnerable Syrian refugees
Lebanon
An alarming rise in child marriages has been seen among the most vulnerable Syrian refugee populations in Lebanon, according to a newly completed survey conducted by UNFPA, the American University of Beirut and Sawa for…
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Women’s health needs persist in conflict-affected Kachin State
Myanmar
When Dr. Kyaw Linn Htun arrived at Thar Ga Ya, a camp for displaced people, almost 20 women were already lined up to see him. The women were all displaced from their homes when the armed conflict in Myanmar’s Kachin…
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From teen mother to mentor in the Comoros
Comoros
When Jiminie Moussa was 16, she began dating a man who was old enough to be her father. Her family in Ngazidja, the largest island in the Comoros, tolerated the relationship because her boyfriend supported her studies…
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Thousands reached in Somalia reproductive health campaign
Somalia
It was early morning when a young sheikh, Abdi Iidan, and his wife joined the long queue leading to a tent in Morodijeex, in north-western Somalia. Mr. Iidan stood out from the crowd; women dominated the queue.
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Initiative brings sexual health information to remote parts of Cambodia
Cambodia
“I still remember when my neighbour experienced complications during delivery. She passed away on the way to the referral hospital. It was terrifying,” Kem Lean, 16, told UNFPA in the northern Cambodian province of…
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Restoring reproductive health access for millions in Boko Haram-affected areas
Nigeria
A brutal attack by Boko Haram forced Zainab Abubakar, 28, and her six children to flee their home in Gamboru Ngala, a northern Nigerian local government area. “I was one month pregnant when I left Gamboru Ngala,” Ms.…
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Women’s needs staggering as winter grips Aleppo, UN convoy finds
Syrian Arab Republic
Women’s health, hygiene and protection needs are staggering in the bomb-scarred city of Aleppo, UNFPA observers reported following a United Nations interagency needs assessment conducted from 1 to 12 January.
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Refugees spread the word about safe birth services in Uganda
South Sudan, Uganda
Things looked bad for the family of Flora and Patrick Anduga in war-ravaged South Sudan. The couple increasingly feared for the safety and welfare of their two children – and the baby they were expecting.
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