Latest news with #UNWomen
Zawya
3 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Rwanda renews its leadership in gender equality through technology and innovation at Generation Equality national stakeholders roundtable
UN Women Rwanda, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), successfully convened the 4th Generation Equality Forum (GEF) Stakeholders Roundtable, reaffirming Rwanda's global leadership in advancing gender equality through technology and innovation. Held at MIGEPROF headquarters, the bi-annual forum brought together over 50 stakeholders from across government, civil society, the private sector, academia, and development partners to assess national progress and strengthen cross-sector partnerships aligned with the GEF agenda and Rwanda's national commitments . Rwanda has emerged as a global leader, proudly serving as co-lead of the Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality. With consistent coordination by UN Women and MIGEPROF, Rwanda has institutionalized a results-oriented, inclusive stakeholder engagement model. This roundtable served as a critical midpoint reflection in Rwanda's five-year journey toward fulfilling its national pledges, first declared by H.E. President Paul Kagame at the 2021 Forum in Paris and reaffirmed the country's commitment to using technology and innovation as a powerful lever for gender transformation. Opening the session, Hon. Consolée Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, emphasized the tangible strides made to date. Girls' enrollment in STEM at the upper secondary level has increased from 44.7 per cent in 2021 to 48.6 per cent in 2024. Mobile phone ownership among women-led households has risen from 54.4 per cent to 74 per cent. Additionally, young women innovators have triumphed in three consecutive editions of the national Hanga Pitch Fest competition. 'These are not just statistics, they are stories of transformation,' said Minister Uwimana. 'As we reflect on our commitments, let's remember we are here as Rwanda's voice in the Generation Equality Forum. The world is watching. Let's show what is possible when strong leadership and partnerships work together to drive real change.' The forum featured presentations from key government institutions. The Ministry of ICT and Innovation, alongside the Rwanda Information Society Authority, highlighted advances in broadband connectivity and digital device distribution. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning acknowledged notable gains in expanding digital financial inclusion while also calling for improved tracking mechanisms. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported increased engagement of women in e-commerce and digital marketplaces, while the Ministry of Education showcased the transformative impact of targeted STEM and coding programs, including the African Girls Can Code Initiative. In her keynote remarks, Ms. Jennet Kem, UN Women Country Representative, commended MIGEPROF's leadership and reiterated UN Women's commitment to coordinated multistakeholder action. 'This platform reflects the full essence of the GEF model, bringing together experiences, resources, and good practices from all sectors,' she said. 'Rwanda's coordinated efforts with stakeholders, consistently convened over the past four years, demonstrate what effective implementation and accountability look like.' She pointed to its election as Vice-Chair of the 70th Commission on the Status of Women as an opportunity to influence global gender-tech norms providing global and regional perspective. Joining the stakeholders virtually, Ms. Hélène Molinier, UN Women's Advisor on Digital Gender Cooperation, shared that the Generation Equality Forum has mobilized over $40 billion in financial pledges and more than 2,500 policy and program commitments globally. She commended Rwanda's ability to not only make bold pledges but to institutionalize them through structured coordination and accountability mechanisms, positioning the country as a global exemplar in translating ambition into action. During the meeting, participants emphasized the need to systematically document initiatives that advance the gender and digitization agenda to foster coherent, coordinated action and better leverage stakeholder contributions across the ecosystem. Accelerating grassroots efforts was highlighted as essential for sustaining progress, with a strong call to utilize community structures to tackle persistent barriers to girls' education in STEM fields. Addressing emerging GEWE challenges, particularly technology-facilitated gender-based violence, was identified as a critical priority in the roll out of the national digitisation agenda. Stakeholders also stressed the importance of evidence-based policies, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, particularly with research institutions and innovation hubs, to develop tailored solutions that bridge the gender digital divide and strengthen women and girls' digital skills and entrepreneurial potential. Strengthening national coordination mechanisms was recognized as key to ensuring impactful and synergistic actions. Closing the session, Mr. Silas Ngayaboshya, Director General of MIGEPROF, reaffirmed Rwanda's resolve. 'Our pledges are not mere aspirations, they are transformative promises. We must continue to challenge the norms, bridge digital gaps, and ensure no woman or girl is left behind.' As Rwanda looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, the 4th Generation Equality Stakeholders Roundtable once again showcased a collective national vision rooted in accountability, innovation, and inclusive leadership. With coordinated action and sustained momentum, Rwanda continues to lead by example, demonstrating how technology can serve as a powerful engine for gender equality. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Zawya
3 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Young Feminist Movement in Malawi Elects First Executive Committee, Paving the Way for Change
On May 10, 2025, the Young Feminist Movement in Malawi took a significant step toward strengthening its leadership and collective vision by electing its inaugural Executive Committee. The elections took place in the capital, Lilongwe, and involved 32 participants, including representatives from 25 civil society organizations, media representatives, UN Women officials, and the Ambassador of Ireland, with Letty Chiwara, the UN Women Malawi Representative, presiding as the Guest of Honour. This movement, which originated from a roundtable discussion in December 2024, aims to unify the voices of young feminists throughout the country and elevate their efforts towards achieving gender equality. The establishment of the Executive Committee represents a pivotal moment in fostering structured, inclusive, and accountable leadership for this emerging movement. The gathering underscored the resolve of young feminists to drive change. In her keynote address, Letty Chiwara praised the movement's advancements, stating, 'What we are witnessing today is not merely a meeting; it is a powerful testament to the strength, energy, and vision of young feminists in Malawi… Your leadership is crucial in shaping a future where women and girls are central to development.' She stated. The elections were carried out with transparency, focusing on governance, structure, and the movement's immediate goals. In addition to defining the roles and composition of the Executive Committee, a clear roadmap for the movement's future was created, enhancing collaboration among its members. The newly elected Executive Committee has committed to being an active force in combating gender-based violence, discrimination, and the systemic challenges faced by women and girls in Malawi. Their mandate includes positioning the movement as a prominent advocate for gender justice and ensuring that young feminists are included in decision-making processes. In moving forward, the committee has resolved to create a detailed action plan in partnership with collaborators, thereby ensuring sustained momentum and tangible impact. Bridget Oscar Phiri, a representative of young women, highlighted the necessity of a united approach: 'This is merely the beginning. We must collaborate—activists, organizations, and allies—to transform our feminist aspirations into reality,' Phiri said. With a democratically elected leadership now in place, the Young Feminist Movement is poised to initiate strategic efforts, including advocacy campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborations with both national and international partners. The movement's focus on intersectionality and inclusivity guarantees that a variety of voices—especially those from underrepresented communities—are acknowledged and included. As the young feminists of Malawi advance, their message is unequivocal: the pursuit of gender equality is not an individual endeavour but a collective movement, and they are ready to take the lead. For more information on the Young Feminist Movement's initiatives, see Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Shattering glass sandbags: Meet the first Cambodian woman UN commander in Lebanon
PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): Lieutenant Colonel Sorm Leangy broke new ground, as Cambodia's first female unit commander deployed to the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. At just 33 years old, Leangy's journey from a small Cambodian village to leading a contingent of 180 personnel — including 38 women — offers valuable insights into the evolving role of women in peacekeeping and military leadership. Since 2018, Leangy has served in five UN missions across Mali and Lebanon, earning respect through her resilience and leadership in environments traditionally dominated by men. Her story was then featured in UN Women, established in 2010 as a UN entity dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women worldwide. Her appointment in 2024 as unit commander during Cambodia's 14th rotation to Lebanon marked a milestone not only for her country but also for women in peacekeeping globally. Her leadership approach combines empathy, patience and decisiveness — qualities that challenge stereotypes about women's roles in military operations, according to UN Women. 'Women are fully capable of leading,' Leangy said. 'We contribute with understanding and calmness — but we're also able to take firm action when necessary,' she added, stressing the balanced qualities women bring to high-pressure leadership roles. Lieutenant Colonel Leangy began her military career in 2012 and graduated from the Cadet Officer School in 2016. She enhanced her expertise through various short courses at Cambodia's Peacekeeping Training Center, including UNLOG, UNSOC, demining and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training. In 2018, she furthered her international training by completing the GPOI course in Bangladesh. That same year, she was deployed to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) as a food officer. She returned to MINUSMA in 2021 as a logistics officer and rose to the position of deputy commanding officer of the Cambodian Airfield Engineering Company in 2022. She then served in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as the commanding officer of the Cambodian Multi-role Engineering Unit. Leading a large, diverse team in a high-pressure conflict zone, Leangy faced the dual challenge of proving her competence and overcoming initial scepticism. 'If I didn't succeed as a female leader, some might have used that to claim women aren't suited for such roles,' she explained. 'That kind of failure could have discouraged others from stepping forward,' she added. Through steady performance and clear communication, she fostered trust and respect among her troops. 'Everyone did their part and watched how I handled things. Eventually, the doubts faded — actually, they started supporting me,' she said. Leangy's experience also underscores the broader benefits women bring to peacekeeping. Drawing on her own missions, she highlighted women's ability to build strong connections with local communities, an essential factor for effective information gathering and conflict reduction. 'Women are able to form meaningful relationships with communities, help defuse tensions and take on important roles in delicate situations,' she explained. Her leadership was part of a wider push within the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and the UN to increase women's participation in peace operations. A barrier assessment conducted between 2022 and 2024 — supported by UN Women and the Elsie Initiative Fund — identified opportunities to strengthen gender-responsive recruitment and deployment practices in Cambodia. These efforts have already increased the proportion of uniformed women in Cambodia's peacekeeping contingents from 16.5 per cent in 2022 to 20 per cent in 2024. According to UN Women, it continues to provide technical support through regional projects promoting women's meaningful participation in peace and security across ASEAN. 'This collaboration shows that there's a growing global acknowledgment that having women in leadership isn't just about fairness — it also enhances the success of peacekeeping missions,' explained the organisation. Back in Cambodia, Leangy now serves as an administrative officer at the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC), where she helps mentor and prepare the next generation of peacekeepers. Her leadership earned her a Gold Medal from the RCAF, as well as a UN medal. To young women aspiring to similar paths, she offers simple but powerful advice. 'Believe in your potential. Be brave enough to face the obstacles. And never forget — women are just as capable as men in getting the job done,' she said. Leangy's story demonstrates that women's leadership in peacekeeping is not just a symbol of progress — it is a practical force for building peace and trust in conflict zones. As UN Women notes, increasing women's representation in peace and security roles strengthens the effectiveness and sustainability of peacekeeping operations worldwide. 'When women get involved,' Leangy concludes, 'we build peace.' Dominic Williams, British ambassador to Cambodia, wrote on his social media that he was pleased that the UK supported the UN Women Asia and the Pacific project. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: Why periods must never limit access or dignity
Every month, over 2 billion people across the world bleed, but not everyone can talk about it, let alone manage it with dignity. That's why Menstrual Hygiene Day has become a global movement to bring the spotlight to an often-overlooked but vital issue: menstrual health. From breaking taboos to building infrastructure that improves access to hygiene products and better menstrual health for all girls, women, transgender men, and non-binary persons, the day calls for a future where periods are no longer a problem, but just a part of life. What is menstrual hygiene? Menstruation is a natural biological process in which the uterus sheds its lining, resulting in blood and tissue passing out of the body through the vagina. Menstrual hygiene refers to the practices and conditions that allow individuals to manage their periods safely and with dignity. This includes access to clean and effective menstrual products (like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups), privacy to change them as needed, and facilities to properly dispose of used products. Menstrual Hygiene Day: History Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is observed every year on May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management. It was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013 when a 28-day social media campaign was launched to spread awareness around different aspects of menstruation. Motivated by the positive response, Menstrual Hygiene Day was observed for the first time on May 28, 2014, with rallies, exhibitions, workshops, and speeches. The choice of May 28 is symbolic: May is the fifth month of the year, representing the average length of a menstrual cycle (five days), and 28 signifies the average number of days in a menstrual cycle. What is the theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025? The theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 is ' Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld ', urging collective action to ensure that menstruation does not limit access to education, health, or opportunity. This theme underlines the global commitment to eliminate the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure that by 2030, menstruation is recognised as a normal and healthy part of life. Also Read Why is Menstrual Hygiene Day important? According to UN Women, Menstrual Hygiene Day holds significance as it plays a crucial role in: Breaking taboos: Encouraging open conversations about menstruation to dismantle long-standing myths and stigmas. Promoting education: Ensuring that individuals, especially young girls, have access to accurate information about menstrual health. Improving access: Advocating for better access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities. What is the mission of Menstrual Hygiene Day? The mission of MH Day is to create a world where menstruation is accepted as a normal part of life. This involves ensuring that everyone has access to quality menstrual products, period-friendly toilets, and accurate information about menstruation. By fostering a period-friendly environment, MH Day aims to empower individuals to manage menstruation without shame or barriers. What is the status of menstrual hygiene in India? India has made significant strides in improving menstrual hygiene, but challenges remain. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21), only 27.7 per cent of women had access to all four essential Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) resources, which include using appropriate period products, an improved unshared toilet, water within the premises, and soap at the handwashing point. On the use of menstrual hygiene products, NFHS-5 says that only 78 per cent of women aged 15–24 use hygienic methods of menstrual protection, and about 50 per cent of these use cloth. NFHS-5 further revealed that the lowest percentage of women using hygienic methods of menstrual protection are in Bihar (59 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (61 per cent), and Meghalaya (65 per cent). What are the common menstrual products that can ensure hygiene during periods? Menstrual pads Menstrual cups Organic cotton tampons Period panties Reusable cloth pads How to maintain hygiene during menstruation? Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is key to preventing infections and ensuring comfort during your period. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are some important guidelines: Wash your hands before and after handling any menstrual product. Never flush menstrual products; wrap them in toilet paper and dispose of them in a covered bin. Change sanitary pads every few hours, even with light flow. Replace tampons every 4 to 8 hours to reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Clean menstrual cups daily during your period and sterilise them after use. Wear breathable cotton underwear and practise front-to-back cleaning. Stay hydrated to support your body during menstruation. How does menstrual hygiene impact health? Proper menstrual hygiene is vital for the overall health and well-being of women and girls: Physical health: Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to infections such as UTIs and reproductive tract infections. Mental health: Stigma and lack of support can cause stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Education: Inadequate facilities in schools can lead to absenteeism during periods. Economic impact: Missing school or work due to menstrual issues can have long-term economic consequences. What can be done to improve menstrual hygiene? To enhance menstrual hygiene management: Education: Implement menstrual education in schools and communities. Access to products: Ensure availability and affordability of menstrual products. Infrastructure: Develop period-friendly sanitation facilities in public spaces. Policy support: Governments should prioritise menstrual health and allocate resources accordingly. According to the National Health Mission of India, improving menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue, it's a matter of dignity, equality, and human rights. It urges people to come together this Menstrual Hygiene Day to promote awareness, dignity, and safe practices. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Improving gender equality at work
(From left) LeadWomen consulting and client services manager Liza Liew, Gatehouse, Wong and Baum launching WEPsCAL. TalentCorp, UN Women and LeadWomen launched Women's Empowerment Principles Corporate Action Lab (WEPsCAL) to address gender inequality at the workplace. The programme is supported by the Australian department of foreign affairs and trade. Malaysia is the first among four implementing countries to launch the WEPs Corporate Action Lab. TalentCorp chair Wong Shu Qi said the government was committed to supporting gender-inclusive workplaces with new tax incentives proposed in Budget 2025. 'Businesses that hire women returning to the workforce and offer up to 12 months of paid care leave will qualify for 50% tax deductions for implementing flexible work arrangements,' said Wong. She said such an incentive was designed to reduce barriers for both women and businesses. 'We want to make it easier for companies to do the right thing and support women at every career stage.' She said the partnership marked a pivotal milestone in the collective commitment to empower women across the country. She also noted that the government aimed to accelerate progress towards achieving a 60% women labour participation rate from the present 56.3%, creating family-friendly workplaces that support women's return, retention and advancement as well as ensuring equal opportunities for women to contribute and thrive in the workforce. 'We need structural changes, not just slogans. 'WEPsCAL is one step towards unlocking the full potential of Malaysian women in the workforce,' she added. Australian High Commission political and economic counsellor Clare Gatehouse said Malaysian women spent about five hours a day on unpaid care and household work while men on average only spent one hour. 'Women in Malaysia still earn only 80sen for every ringgit earned by men in similar roles. 'Therefore, gender equality benefits everyone because it's a driver of economic growth, cohesion and national well-being,' she said during the event. Eleven companies from diverse industries will be part of the programme. UN Women Asia-Pacific women's economic empowerment programme specialist Amy Baum said WEPsCAL was more than just policy statements, adding that it covered action, measurement and accountability. 'We'll be tracking outcomes, return on investment, and sharing case studies so others can follow.' She said the Women's Empowerment Principles Forum to be held in October here would gather business leaders, regulators and government representatives who would evaluate progress and discuss broader regional strategies. 'We'll be working and showcasing what we're doing through the Action Labs in Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines. 'We'll have regulators and exchanges joining us to showcase what they are doing in the Lab to ensure that we are moving forward,' Baum added.
