Global perspective Human stories

UN Gender Focus: FGM, World Radio Day and LGBT equality stamps

UN Gender Focus: FGM, World Radio Day and LGBT equality stamps

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Malian singer could not find “place in society” following genital cutting

A singer from Mali has been explaining how she was unable to find her “place in society” after being subjected to female genital mutilation, also known as FGM and genital cutting. The UN estimates that 200 million women and girls around the world who are alive today, have been harmed by FGM. The practice is recognized internationally as a human rights violation. Inna Modja, cut when she was just four years old, has been advocating for the rights of women and girls. Cristina Silveiro spoke to her at a UN event to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

Anne Bennett, Executive Director of Hirondelle USA (center right). Photo: Melanie Futorian

Gender diversity matters in the newsroom, says media expert

An all-male newsroom can’t provide fair or accurate coverage because it simply doesn’t mirror the society most of us live in. That’s the frank assessment of Anne Bennett, an expert in creating and managing complex radio and journalism projects, speaking ahead of World Radio Day, observed on February 13. Speaking in her capacity as Executive Director of the non-profit Hirondelle USA, Ms Bennett explained to Jocelyne Sambira, why gender matters.

One of the six new stamps to promote the UN Free & Equal campaign LGBT equality. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

A UN “world first” as special stamps are issued supporting LGBT rights

The UN’s become the first institution ever to issue a special collection of stamps in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights. That’s according to the head of global issues at the UN Human Rights Office. Charles Radcliffe was speaking at the unveiling of the commemorative stamps, which are part of the UN Free & Equal campaign, inside the UN General Assembly building. Matthew Wells went along to find out more.

Presenter: Matthew Wells

Production Assistant: Ana Carmo

Duration: 10’00″

Audio Duration
10'
Photo Credit
UN Photo/Manuel Elías