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Development efforts must be culturally sensitive, UN Population Fund says

Development efforts must be culturally sensitive, UN Population Fund says

UNFPA chief Thoraya Obaid
Making local alliances in culturally sensitive situations gives aid workers a greater chance of succeeding in their development efforts, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says in a new report.

Making local alliances in culturally sensitive situations gives aid workers a greater chance of succeeding in their development efforts, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says in a new report.

"Social and cultural realities present challenges as well as opportunities for advancing development goals and human rights," said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid.

"This is particularly true when dealing with the issues of gender equality, HIV/AIDS, female genital cutting, violence against women, maternal health and family planning."

The report, "Working from Within: Culturally Sensitive Approaches in UNFPA Programming," highlights strategies, approaches and partnerships with local individuals and institutions in nine countries: Brazil, Cambodia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Iran, Malawi, Uganda and Yemen.

Collaboration with influential religious, professional, trade union and business organizations led to a reduction of maternal mortality in Guatemala and promoted HIV/AIDS prevention in Uganda, it says.

"Working from Within" is being released in New York in time for the 21 May observance of the UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.