Africa’s population could reach four billion by 2100. As the population grows, more investment in maternal health and family planning resources will be needed to ensure women’s health.
$92 Million Project Will Improve Higher Education in Afghanistan
The US Agency for International Development announced a $92 million project to improve the higher education system in Afghanistan last week.
Ugandan President Signs Law Making HIV Transmission Illegal
Provisions of the law include possible imprisonment of HIV-positive individuals, a ten-year prison sentence and fine for the “intentional transmission of HIV,” a five-year prison sentence for “attempted transmission of HIV,” and compulsory testing in some situations.
In Liberia, The Ebola Outbreak is Also a Maternal Health Issue
Although the death toll from the virus itself is astounding, many people – including pregnant mothers – are also dying as hospitals and clinics shut their doors.
Afghanistan Celebrates 95th Anniversary of Independence
President Hamid Karzai and candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai attended a special ceremony to commemorate the day. US Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement in honor of the celebration.
Suicidal Rape Victim Denied Abortion in Ireland
A suicidal young woman who became pregnant as a result of rape was refused an abortion in Ireland.
Peru Finally Complies with Sexual Assault Settlement
Twenty years ago, a doctor at a hospital in Peru raped a 22-year-old woman who was getting medical care. Now, after human-rights groups fought for the case, the Peruvian government has finally settled the case.
France Dumps Abortion Restrictions, Will Cover the Cost of All First Trimester Abortions
A new law in France will now allow first-trimester abortions without requiring justification, and the full cost of the procedure will now be covered by the government.
Supporting the Advancement of Women in Afghanistan
Afghan women have come a long way over the last decade. We have made significant achievements, many of which would have not been possible without the generous support of the international community, especially the United States.
Close to Two-Thirds of Cameroonian Women Have Unmet Need for Contraception
Around 6,000 Cameroonian women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and 30 percent of those women did not want to become pregnant in the first place.
Election Process Agreement Creates Hope for Some in Afghanistan
Just when the success of the election process seemed to be in doubt, US Secretary of State John Kerry went to Afghanistan to once again play a mediator’s role, meeting with the two presidential candidates and with outgoing president Hamid Karzai to help broker a solution to the disputed election process.
Constitutional Court Invalidates Uganda’s Anti-Gay Law
Uganda’s Constitutional Court today struck down – on procedural grounds – a package of anti-gay policies signed into law this February by President Yoweri Museveni, but left room for lawmakers to attempt to pass the law, or another version of it, again.
First World Day Against Human Trafficking Encourages International Action
The first World Day against Trafficking in Persons took place Wednesday in an effort by the United Nations to bring attention to the continuing need for international support in order to help trafficking victims and to end impunity for perpetrators.
100 Days Later, Groups Rally for Nigeria to Bring Back Kidnapped Schoolgirls
100 days ago today, more than 270 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Nigeria by Boko Haram. This week, groups around the world are holding vigils to show that they have not stopped supporting rescue efforts and still want safety for these girls.
Nigeria Secures $15 Million Grant from Norway to Reduce Maternal Mortality
Norway has provided a $15 million grant to the Nigerian government to help the country reduce maternal and child mortality.
34 Years Ago, The US Signed CEDAW. Now, Let’s Ratify It!
It is time for the US to join the nations of the world in ratifying CEDAW and affirming the importance of equality for women and girls around the world. Take action for CEDAW today!
Women from Around the Globe are Imagining Equality. Will You?
Imagining Equality promises both engaging and thought provoking artwork, as well as a chance to engage in a global discussion of women’s global equality.
Study Shows High Rates of Child Marriage and Maternal Death Across Nigeria
Nigeria accounts for 13 percent of global maternal death rates, with 36,000 women dying in pregnancy or child birth each year, and child marriage rates across Nigeria often outpace those in other nations around the world.
‘Revenge Rape’ in India Leads to Three Arrests
A man in eastern India was arrested for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl this week in “retaliation” for the girl’s brother having allegedly sexually assaulted a woman.
Congressional Leaders, Advocates Speak Out Against TPP Citing Human Rights Concerns
“The United States should not condone these laws by conducting business as usual with Brunei. We have to seek to use all available and appropriate policy tools to pressure the sultan to change his new penal code.”