UN Gender Focus: African women, women in media and equality through education
African women “more effected” by climate change
Women and children in Africa are more impacted by climate change than men according to the head of the African Union Commission. The international community is currently meeting in Paris at the UN COP21 summit to discuss how to mitigate the effects of changing weather patterns on the world’s most vulnerable people. It’s hoped a universal deal will be agreed there which will keep global temperature rises to below two degrees Celsius. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is the head of the African Union Commission. Cristina Silveiro asked her to what extent climate change disproportionately effects women.
A “wake-up call” for more balanced representation of women in media
When it comes to women’s representation in the media, the news is grim, according to a UN-backed study. It reveals that although women make up half the global population, they comprise less than one-quarter of people heard, seen or read about in newspaper, television and radio news. The same holds true in digital platforms. As the media have great power in shaping or reinforcing attitudes, the authors say the study is “a wake-up call” for more equitable reflection of women in press coverage. Dianne Penn has the story.
Zanzibar women-farmers fight for their rights, by going back to school
Female farmers on Zanzibar are going back to school to fight for their rights, and boost family income. Most of the farmers on the tropical island off the coast of mainland Tanzania are women, but traditionally they have had very little control over their lives, or finances. But now a network of Farmer Field Schools, established by the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development, is creating new opportunities. Joanne Levitan explains.
Presenter: Daniel Dickinson
Production Assistants: Ana Carmo/Sandra Guy
Duration: 10’00″