Global perspective Human stories

UN Gender Focus

UN Women/Gustavo Stephan

Encouraging girls to go ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’

When the modern Olympics were first held more than a century ago, 997 athletes competed, only 22 of them women.

Fast forward to this year’s Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where nearly half of those vying for medals are women.

The Olympic motto is ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger,’ and the UN entity working towards gender equality, UN Women, has joined with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to encourage girls to stick with sports as they grow up.

UN Radio/Laura Jarriel

UN Gender Focus: UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

This week we have an exclusive in-depth interview focusing on sexual exploitation and abuse. The UN has described abuse allegations made against people serving the organization and others as “sickening” and has pledged thorough investigations while also offering support to victims.

In February this year, the UN Secretary-General appointed Jane Holl Lute as Special Coordinator on Improving the United Nations Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

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The “indispensable” role of men and boys in realizing gender equality

Men and boys are being encouraged to “think differently” about gender relations in order to achieve full equality between the sexes.

The call has been made by Lakshmi Puri, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, who says gender equality is critical to realizing social and economic change, as well as sustainable peace following conflict.

Pierre-Marc René caught up with Ms Puri in Mexico where she attended the recent Forbes “Powerful Women” Summit.