News story
“The violence never stopped,” Sudanese woman says – but neither did her hope
Sudan
"I would go to my parents, but they would return me to my abusive husband." This is what Semira,* a 25-year-old from Sudan, recalls from her marriage, which started when she was just a child. She became a…
Read story
News story
For persons with disabilities, innovation and bodily autonomy are fundamental on the path to inclusion
“The entirety of my art practice is based on ways that technology can help with my disability. That’s why I fell in love with cameras in the first place: They helped me see things.”
Read story
News story
Ending unmet need for family planning in a world of 8 billion: The innovations enabling access for all
Brazil, Myanmar
Access to contraceptives and family planning has long been a complicated matter. But the COVID-19 pandemic made matters worse.
Read story
News story
“For women and girls, no place is completely safe”: Despite some progress, urgent and stronger action needed against digital violence
“Can you put a price tag on human life? Can there be a penalty strong enough against those who, for their own amusement, mentally torture people until they end their own lives?”
Read story
News story
Ending maternal deaths in a world of 8 billion: How midwives save lives
Lao People's Democratic Republic
“I feel proud and happy that the world population is reaching 8 billion, especially because I know that it is partly because of the good work of midwives as we work to save lives every day,” said 27-year-old Amina…
Read story
News story
Ending gender-based violence in a world of 8 billion: How a new term, reproductive violence, helps confront an old problem
Whether to have children or not is one of the most life-altering decisions a person can make. But as UNFPA’s 2022 State of World Population report shows, people around the world – especially women and members of…
Read story
News story
Family planning takes global stage, showing both major gains and gaps
Brazil, Nepal
Of all Wendys Rivero’s hopes for the future, getting pregnant again is not one of them. She, her husband and their two kids currently live in a shelter for migrants and refugees known as Rondon 1 in Boa Vista, having…
Read story
News story
Reclaiming hope and justice for survivors of sexual violence during drought and hunger crisis in Somalia
Somalia
“I felt powerless… I looked around but it was too dark to see who had done this to me. I ran back home very scared – my family was still fast asleep.” Khadijo*, 11, only ventured a few metres from her tent to go to the…
Read story
News story
Reclaiming teenage mothers’ dreams, plans and potential
Costa Rica
Like mother, like son; Ana Francini González Avalos’ son Tairon is a restless, intelligent 7 year old who knows how to read and wants to learn much more. Fran, as she likes to be called, has always been a quick study.…
Read story
News story
After an adolescent pregnancy drove them apart, here’s how one family in Rwanda reconnected
Rwanda
When Nyiranzavugimana Florence was 19 years old, she fell unexpectedly pregnant. Initially, family and friends reacted by shunning her – subjecting Ms. Nyiranzavugimana to the shame, isolation and stigma that too often…
Read story
News story
Engaging communities in Malawi to end child marriage and help girls finish school
Malawi, European Commission
“I had to go against some deeply-held traditions to persuade my people that girls need access to education, just like boys,” said village head Patete, watching as a group of girls walked to school in Malawi’s Machinga…
Read story
News story
Girls in Uganda report being lured across the border to undergo female genital mutilation
Kenya, Uganda
Fourteen-year-old Judith* and five other Pokot girls were lured across the border, into Kenya from Uganda, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reason: To undergo female genital mutilation. The perpetrator: One…
Read story