Late UN official advocate for women, girls’ sexual reproductive rights

The late Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, was a passionate advocate for women and girl’s reproductive health rights. That’s what John Mosoti, Chief of the agency’s Multilateral Affairs Branch said shortly after the passing of Dr Babatunde was announced at the UN. The renowned global health expert died suddenly at his home after six years at the helm of UNFPA. Improved access to safe, voluntary family planning for women and girls is Dr Babatunde’s legacy, Mr Mosoti told Amina Hassan, adding that the “job was not yet done”. He also explained why the UNFPA chief was adamant about supporting and protecting 10 year-old-girls in particular.

Turtle advocate from Trinidad spurs sea change in her community

A woman who was once called crazy for protecting sea turtles against poachers has helped to make her community a model for marine conservation in the Caribbean. Suzan Lakhan Baptiste is Managing Director of Nature Seekers, a non-profit conservation group in the fishing village of Matura in Trinidad and Tobago, where female leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs between April and August. Ms Lakhan Baptiste encountered ridicule and resistance when she first began standing up for the turtles nearly 30 years ago. Since then, she has been honoured by the UN and other organizations, while her neighbours have become “strong stewards” for turtle conservation and sustainable tourism. Ahead of the Ocean Conference at UN Headquarters this week, Dianne Penn asked Ms Lakhan Baptiste what inspired her to fight for the biggest turtles on Earth.

Presenter: Jocelyne Sambira

Production Assistant: Sandra Guy

Duration: 10’00″