In Focus
The following are special compilations of news, speeches, feature stories, videos and social media content focused around special events and topics.
The 2016 theme for International Women’s Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”. The United Nations observance on 8 March will reflect on how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals. It will equally focus on new commitments under UN Women’s Step It Up initiative, and other existing commitments on gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s human rights... Read more
Statement by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women Executive Director, on International Women’s Day 2021
In her statement for International Women's Day, UN Women Executive Directory Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said: "We need women’s representation that reflects all women and girls in all their diversity and abilities, and across all cultural, social, economic and political situations. This is the only way we will get real societal change that incorporates women in decision-making as equals and benefits us all."Read more
Asia Pacific turns orange during 16 Days of activism against gender-based violence
From 25 November through 10 December countries around Asia-Pacific celebrated the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence to raise public awareness and mobilize public support to end violence against women and girls. Check out a snapshot of the events held in the region...Read more
International Day of the Girl Child
this year’s International Day of the Girl (11 October) is Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress: What Counts for Girls. While we can applaud the ambition and potential of the SDGs for girls, and recognize how girls’ progress is good not only for girls, but also for families, communities and society at large, we must also take this opportunity to consider how existing gaps... Read more
Today, around the world, people are on the move. They are migrating to escape poverty, improve their livelihood and opportunities, or escaping conflict and devastation in their own countries. Women represent almost half of the 244 million migrants and half of the 19.6 million refugees worldwide. The remittances sent by women migrant workers improve the livelihood and health of their families and strengthen economies. In 2015, international migrants sent USD 432.6 billion... Read more
This series of portraits spotlights women and girls who have made it in their respective fields — often in uncharted territories — by overcoming barriers and beating the odds to reach their goals. Although far from the limelight, their struggle, passion and work inspires all who know them and they are role models for many... Read more
EQUALITY FOR ALL: Community of Change makers is an online interactive platform for key stakeholders including judges, prosecutors, court personnel, civil society organisations, advocates and scholars. The platform aims to enhance dialogue among the key stakeholders and draw upon their diverse expertise, experience, outreach and knowledge to safeguard human rights, promote access to justice and a strong justice mechanism. Designed to be an easy to use forum, with live discussion, publications and a knowledge hub of good practices.
To join the communityCLICK HERE
The HeForShe corner is a space for men and boys to express themselves in support for gender equality. From students to diplomats, from celebrities to farmers, from politicians to sports stars, everyone is welcome to stand up and pledge their commitment to work together for a world where women and men, girls and boys, enjoy the same rights...Read more
15 years of Security Council resolution 1325
Since the adoption of resolution 1325, women’s participation in peace and security decision-making has been key to preventing conflict and securing peace. To assess progress and accelerate action, the 2015 High-level Review will take place along with the launch of the Global Study on the implementation of resolution 1325, from 12-14 October...Read more
Youth’s Voice from Asia-Pacific
At least 750 million of young persons live in Asia and the Pacific. Their active involvement, participation and voice is essential to achieve gender equality. UN Women’s Youth’s Voice is an open space for young people in the region to express themselves and contribute with their ideas and enthusiasm to build a fairer and more equitable world for all...Read more
Women and International Migrants Day
Together with the Australian Government, UN Women and ILO are calling on ASEAN governments, institutions and recruitment agencies managing labour migration to take concrete actions to prevent the exploitation of women migrant workers. UN Women and ILO also aim to mobilize workers, employers, and civil society to promote women workers’ rights and counter negative attitudes towards migrant workers...Read more
Women and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Women and girls make up more than half the world’s population — and they are on the frontlines — often more deeply impacted than men and boys by poverty, climate change, food insecurity, lack of healthcare, and global economic crises. Their contributions and leadership are central to finding a solution....Read more