WILDAF-AO

logo-wildaf-02-1

Why investing in women is a human rights issue

Investing in women is both an economic imperative and a human rights issue. It is a human rights issue because the global economic and financial systems are complicit in perpetuating gender inequality.  At the same time, financial resources are required to overcome these challenges and build a world that enables all women to realize their […]

Unpacking the care society: Caring for people and the planet

The impacts of crises are not gender-neutral. Protracted conflicts and the accelerating impacts of climate change have increased care demands on women and girls. When these demands grow, and public systems are unable to cope with increased pressure, women and girls absorb the bulk of care work.  Care work, a vital public good, underpins well-being […]

New series highlights the importance of a positive postnatal experience for all women and newborns

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN’s Special Programme on Human Reproduction (HRP) have launched a new series on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal care experience in BMJ Global Health with six articles presenting evidence on the importance of understanding women’s, parents’ and health workers’ perspectives and a rights-based approach to strengthen […]

AfCFTA: Upcoming Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade a chance to empower women

Policies must ensure benefits of economic growth are equitably distributed, with a particular focus on gender inclusivity. As we navigate the complex web of global challenges, the empowerment of women stands as a beacon of progress, reflecting not only a commitment to human rights but also a strategic imperative for sustainable development. The foundation of […]

Gender bias in science ‘deprives our world of great talent’: Guterres

On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated on 11 February, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that gender equality in science is essential to building a better future for all. “Sadly, women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases that prevent them from pursuing careers in science,” […]

World News in Brief: Artificial Intelligence pledge, child abuse online, Sudan crisis deepens

Some of the world’s leading tech companies have signed a ground-breaking agreement with the UN to build more ethical Artificial Intelligence systems. Lenovo Group, LG AI Research, Mastercard, Microsoft, Salesforce, Telefonica, GSMA network of mobile phone operators, and INNIT have pledged to “integrate the values and principles” of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI when […]

Guterres: End ‘abhorrent practice’ of female genital mutilation

Some 4.4 million girls are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) this year, the UN Secretary-General warned on Tuesday 6th February 2024, appealing for action to stamp out this “egregious violation of fundamental human rights” and give greater voice to survivors.  “Even one mutilation is one too many,” António Guterres said in his message […]

Burundi’s Quota for Women in Politics Has Had Mixed Results, but That’s No Reason to Scrap It

By Reginas Ndayiragije, Petra Meier and Stef Vandeginste Since 2005, Burundi has set quotas to ensure that the country’s three ethnic groups (Hutu, Tutsi and Twa), as well as women, are represented in its parliament, central government and municipal administrations. Its constitution states that women should make up at least 30% of these institutions. The […]

Thousands march against femicide in Kenya

Several thousand people marched in Nairobi on Saturday 28, january 2024 to protest against femicide in Kenya where over a dozen women have been killed this month in cases that shocked the nation. The campaigners took to the streets of the capital holding placards that read “Being a woman should not be a death sentence”, […]