Myanmar is making progress in its transition from military rule to a democracy, according to the UN envoy in the region, Vijay Nambiar.

For ages masculinity has been equated with power, toughness and the suppression of one’s emotions, according to the UN Population Fund.

The notion of what it means to be a “man” may have contributed to risky behaviours, sometimes deepening gender inequities, the agency adds.

In the next few weeks, the citizens of Timor-Leste will vote for a new president.

This is one of two elections taking place this year in the Asian country, which also celebrates 10 years of independence in May.

Dianne Penn reports.

Duration: 2'36"

Enormous progress has been made in Bangladesh where poisonous arsenic was found in well water across the country, but more still needs to be done to help the people there.