Women entrepreneurs need opportunities,not handouts: UN official

When it comes to growing their businesses, women entrepreneurs are looking for opportunities, not “waiting for handouts,” according to an official with the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).  Adot Killmeyer-Oleche, chief of UNIDO’s Institute for Capacity Development, was speaking after a panel discussion on women in industry held in Bahrain this week as part of the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum.  During the event, women business owners from across the globe shared the struggles they are facing, ranging from a lack of access to capital and technology, to stigma and social barriers.  Vibhu Mishra was at the forum and caught up with Ms Killmeyer-Oleche after the panel discussion.

Women “taking charge” of UN resolutionon preventing, resolving conflict

It is time to acknowledge the value women bring in peace negotiations and society as a whole, a veteran activist has said.  Joy Ada Onyesoh, Vice President of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), was at UN Headquarters recently for a Security Council meeting marking 17 years since the adoption of a resolution aimed at increasing women’s participation in efforts to prevent and resolve conflict.  Ms Onyesoh told Natalie Hutchison that women are “taking charge” of Security Council Resolution 1325 and will use it to continue pressing for gender equality.  She began by outlining the impact armed conflict has on women.

"Epidemic" of violence against womenin Solomon Islands can end

The "epidemic" of violence against women in the Solomon Islands can be stopped and the whole Pacific region is already taking "proactive steps".  That's the view of Yannick Glemarec, deputy chief of UN Women, the world body's gender agency.  The Deputy Executive Director for policy recently returned from a visit to the remote Pacific island nation, where nearly one in four women has suffered some form of sexual violence before they reach the age of 15.  Mr Glemarec said that Uganda's successful community-based SASA scheme to prevent violence against women and children was being adapted and scaled-up across the Pacific.  He talked to Matt Wells back at UN Headquarters about the trip, and why it was important to see conditions there for himself.

Presenter:  Dianne Penn

Duration:  10'00"