ZAMBIA: Drought Emergency in Zambia - Child Marriage, HIV and Hunger On the Rise for Women and Girls
SOUTHERN PROVINCE, Zambia – “They don’t have any food, and the teenagers can become vulnerable,” said nurse Suvannah Sinakaaba, in the village of Hakankula in Zambia’s Monze District. “HIV rates are quite high among adolescents; some engage in sexual activities with fishermen because they want [financial] help.”
The Lilongwe District Council has expressed concern over the increase in gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the district.
Pennsylvania – Former Wife of the late Public Works Minister Mobutu Vlah Nyenpan has Graduated with two distinct Master’s Degrees in an Unprecedented Academic feat. Lois Nimley Nyenpan, now happily married to Alascal Yii Wisner, is formally known as Lois Nimley Wisner.
Reacting to the signing into law of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 on 2 July by President Julius Maada Bio, Samira Daoud, Amnesty International Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said:
Addis Abeba – A large demonstration was held today in Mekelle by women demanding an end to violence against women in the region. The protesters called for justice for victims of sexual violence, kidnappings, and other abuses.
Semhal Kid, one of the organizers, told Addis Standard that women and girls have been enduring these atrocities “at the hands of various fighting forces” and continue to face threats. “We are demanding an end to the continued injustice,” Semhal added.
Birikti Hailu, another participant, emphasized the lasting physical and psychological trauma inflicted on victims. She argued that society has failed to protect women and called for an end to the ongoing violence.
The demonstrators gathered at Romanat Sequer in Mekelle and marched to the office of the Tigray Interim Administration. While they were unable to meet with Getachew Reda, president of the Tigray Interim Administration, the head of the regional justice bureau, Hadush Tesfa, listened to their demands.
Hadush acknowledged the ongoing struggle for women’s safety, stating, “Your presence here condemning violence against women amplifies the need for continued action.”
He condemned the recent violence against Tigrayan women, calling it “a reprehensible act with no place in a society that values justice.”
Hadush emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing this critical issue, stating it demands immediate attention. “We will work towards maintaining law and order and bringing perpetrators to justice,” he added.
A similar demonstration was also held in Adigrat town this morning. Protesters called for an end to the violence and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Adigrat’s mayor, Solomon Hagos, expressed his support for the demonstrators and condemned the violence.
He assured them that the city administration is working to bring criminals to justice and restore peace and order.
According to a report by Refugees International, cited by Addis Standard in April 2023, an estimated 40-50% of Tigrayan girls and women experienced gender-based violence during the war.
The report, based on extensive field research and interviews with victims and health workers in the Tigray region by Senior Fellow Sarah Miller, revealed a harrowing reality. Over 80% of these victims reported being raped, with nearly 70% experiencing brutal gang rape by armed groups. AS
Botswana Women Caucus in Politics (BWCP) has expressed concern over the low numbers of women contesting Parliamentary seats in the 2024 general elections and is hopeful that political party funding will change the fortune of female candidates to win more seats. In an interview on the acting president of BWCP, Rhoda Sekgororoane said if approved, the political party funding bill will attract more women candidates. She said one of the findings of a research conducted by Emang Basadi titled Mme Okae revealed that women are not contesting political office because of lack of funds, because the exercise is currently expensive.
Sixteen candidates vying for two seats reserved for female lawmakers in the Chamber of Deputies to represent women in City of Kigali have pledged to advocate for women's rights and family promotion.
The commissioner noted that northern Nigeria, including Zamfara State, had a record of 70 per cent of maternal deaths in Nigeria.
The commissioner noted that northern Nigeria, including Zamfara State, had a record of 70 per cent of maternal deaths in Nigeria.
SOURCE: UNFPA West and Central
Survivors of Female Genital Mutilation possess a unique and powerful voice that can drive meaningful change. Their experiences offer important insights into the challenges faced and the support needed. By sharing their stories, survivors can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire action within communities and among policymakers.
Source: The Herald
A 62-year-old serial rapist, Daniel Chauke has been sentenced to an effective 133 years in prison after being convicted of seven counts of rape.
Source: SA News
History has been made in Limpopo where Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has been elected as the new Premier - the first woman to hold the position in the province.
Source: Leadership
Enugu State governor's wife, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, has launched the "Mama Care Initiative."
She enrolled 1,701 pregnant women in a one-year health insurance premium through it.
DARFUR/KHARTOUM, Sudan – Aisha* lost both her parents last year, aged just 17. “I was left alone at home. I couldn’t reach out to any of my relatives because the situation was extremely tense,” she told UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.
World Food Programme and the Government join forces to boost farm production, strengthen livelihoods, and empower women in a challenging environment.
Over 100 women from across Liberia gathered in Ganta last week in a consultative conference to brainstorm on issues on Women's rights and come up with a policy.
Addis Abeba – Research conducted by the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), titled “Voice of Guji: Grave Human Rights Situation in Oromia’s Guji Zones,” underscores severe human rights violations in these regions.
SOURCE: State Information Service
On Monday, the Ministry of Health and Population said that up to 49.886 million women have received medical services provided by the Egyptian Women's Health Presidential Initiative, since its launch in July 2019 and till the end of May 2024.
World Bank Project Targets Thousands in Rural Communities.
Following the devastating Ebola outbreak in 2014, it became clear that the health systems in countries in West Africa were not prepared to effectively respond to public health emergencies with the speed and efficiency required to save lives and contain the spread of disease.