Global perspective Human stories

UN Gender Focus: African women, women in media and equality through education

UN Gender Focus: African women, women in media and equality through education

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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.

UN Women launches the 5th edition of the Global Media Monitoring Project. UN Photo/Loey Felipe

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: Equality through Education. Photo: IFAD

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″

Audio
10'
Photo Credit
UN Photo/Albert González Farran