Film gives voice to indigenous Mohawk women in New York City

Many men from the indigenous Mohawk community of North America have helped to shape the New York City skyline through their contributions to the ironworks industries. But it is the Mohawk women who are responsible for shaping their communities in the city and beyond. The film To Brooklyn and Back: A Mohawk Journey gives a voice to these women, and is being screen at the United Nations in New York. The film was created by Reahgan Tarbell whose grandfathers helped to build UN Headquarters. Ms Tarbell, who was accompanied by her infant son, Jacob, told Laura Jarriel what most surprised her during the making of the film.

Kuwait urged to counter exploitation of domestic workers

Kuwait has been urged by an independent UN human rights expert to strengthen measures to prevent the exploitation and abuse of domestic workers. Many of the foreign workers are trafficked for forced labour. They’re often employed under the kafala system, which binds every worker to an employer as a sponsor and which can create a situation of vulnerability for the employee. The Kuwaiti government has established two shelters that have received more than 7,000 domestic workers fleeing their employers. Priyanka Shankar has been speaking to the independent UN human rights expert Maria Grazia Giammarinaro who has just visited the Gulf state.

Kenyan designer has high hopes for Africa’s fashion industry

When it comes to fashion, interior design and art, Africa is “the place to be.”That belief has been expressed by Kenyan designer Akinyi Odongo who is calling for greater assistance for creative people on the continent, particularly women. Ms Odongo has received support from the UN trade body, UNCTAD, and the International Trade Centre (ITC), which runs an initiative that connects women-owned businesses with global markets. Dianne Penn caught up with Ms Odongo when she stopped by UN Radio during a recent visit to New York to participate in a fashion showcase.

Presenter: Jocelyne Sambira

Production Assistant: Sandra Guy

Duration: 10'00″