Reproductive health and economic inequalities inextricably linked: UNFPA

Economics is just the tip of “the inequality iceberg.”  That’s one of the conclusions being stressed by Richard Kollodge, Senior Editorial Adviser at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), following the release of the agency’s 2017 report on the state of the world’s population.  The report details the link between economic inequality and reproductive health, according to Mr Kollodge.  He told Natalie Hutchison that high rates of unplanned pregnancy can affect the economic stability of entire communities.

Shelters in storm-ravaged Antigua & Barbuda fight gender-based violence

Managers of shelters in hurricane-ravaged Antigua and Barbuda are being trained to make sure these locations are safe spaces for women and girls.  The tiny Caribbean island nation was devastated by Hurricane Irma, a category 5 storm which struck in early September.  As in other natural disasters, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) fears the resulting displacement and service disruptions could increase the risk of gender-based violence.  Elizabeth Philip travelled there recently and spoke to UNFPA specialist Verena Bruno, who is working with the government in the areas of protection, prevention and response to gender-based violence.

Astronaut makes UN touchdown for women in space

Back when American astronaut Scott Kelly was a military pilot in the navy, seeing a woman in his class would have been almost as common as “seeing a unicorn.”  At the UN this month to discuss the “Space for Women” project, the retired United States astronaut and UN Champion for Space shared his views on how to get more women and girls involved in the STEM subjects: that’s science, technology, engineering and maths.   Liz Scaffidi spoke to Mr Kelly regarding how to encourage girls and women to consider careers in science.

Presenter: Dianne Penn

Duration: 10’00″