“We … have a host of cultural barriers that prevent women from seeking help. For example, victims of violence are often threatened not to go to court and are subject to extreme physical and psychological abuse. Women also find legal battles as a ‘hassle’ to their daily lives, because they have to juggle multiple responsibilities at home and work.

[Press release] The bill’s passage is a testament to the leadership of the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) and the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan), and to the vigorous advocacy of civil society and women's rights activists across the country. It is a victory for all women, girls, and victims and survivors of sexual violence in Indonesia who have the fundamental right to protection under a comprehensive legal umbrella.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Indonesian Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, joined heads of international organizations, members of the business sector, and the Indonesian Stock Exchange rang the Bell for Gender Equality. Ring the Bell for Gender Equality is a ceremony that aims to raise awareness of the key role private sectors play in accelerating progress for gender equality.

Sat in the cozy classroom of a cyber-celebrity incubator in Aba, Sichuan, Li Ying gestures towards her smartphone with an enthusiastic smile. “I want to study as much as I can,” says the 54-year old, the colours of her clothing bright against the mountain view behind her. “It's much better to make money on my own than to reach out for my husband.

Nepal’s transition from a unitary to a federal system has paved the way for the formulation of legal and policy reform, as well as restructuring and the establishment of mechanisms and organizations. We are still in the process of transferring funds and deploying civil servants to the sub-national levels. We believe that the new system of governance will be more effective for ensuring inclusion. The government will now benefit by having elected representatives and government officials at the sub-national levels where they can work in close proximity with the community.

The National Seminar on Proposed Practical Guidelines on the Protection and Promotion of Access to Justice for Malay Muslim Women in the Southernmost Provinces of Thailand was held in Bangkok on 21st April 2015. The seminar examined problems and barriers that prevent access to justice of Muslim women in the Thai Southern-border provinces - Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Satun. Since 1946, the Thai law has specified that the Islamic laws can be applied...

Widows and single women from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka met together with government representatives and international organizations in New Delhi to address current gaps in policies and programmes that prevent them from claiming their rights.

The Centre of Studies for Peace and Development (CEPAD), with the support of UN Women Timor-Leste, held a workshop to present the findings of their research on women’s access to justice in plural legal systems, with a focus on women’s access to land and property rights in Timor-Leste.

Ensuring that women have better access to, and control of, natural resources such as land, water, forests and minerals can improve the chances of long-term peace and recovery in war-torn countries, according to a new report released by the United Nations today.

The grand prize winner and two runners up were announced for the UN-sponsored photo contest that invited residents of Asia-Pacific to send in their best shots that reflect UN values in their neighborhoods, cities, countries or the region. Ms. Dwi Kristyadi took the grand prize, with her submission of “On the Wet Ground” which shows a volunteer giving lesson to street children in Jakarta. In a makeshift classroom on a bare concrete are gathering impoverished children of the Indonesian capital.

UN Women launches “Progress of the World’s Women: In Pursuit of Justice 2011-12″ in South Asia, calling on governments to take action and end the injustices that keep women poorer and less powerful than men.