education

The gender gap is closing in Maldives, albeit slowly, according to the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

The Indian Ocean country has achieved gender parity in primary education while more girls are enrolling in higher levels of schooling.

However, women’s political participation remains a challenge as they make up only six per cent of politicians.

Dianne Penn spoke to Shoko Noda, UNDP Resident Coordinator in Maldives, to find out how the UN is supporting women’s empowerment there.

Around 1.8 million children have had their schooling interrupted by fighting in Yemen and some youngsters are trying to write on the ground amid shortages, the UN children’s agency UNICEF said Friday.

Citing months of intensive bombardment and street fighting in the Arabian peninsula country that have killed 365 children since late March, the humanitarian agency also says more than 3,600 school have closed so far.

Educating girls could help change societies and improve the lives of millions, according to the UN Human Rights chief.

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein is also urging countries to ensure that girls have safe access to quality education that includes information about human rights.

His comments came during a panel discussion held in Geneva on Tuesday.

Dianne Penn reports.

Duration: 2'36"

The number of girls in Afghanistan who are going to school has increased significantly since the former Taliban government was deposed in 2001, but obstacles remain, according to the United Nations.

The UN has been supporting the Afghan government in its efforts to have more children at school.

A law was passed in 2009 which criminalizes people who prohibit girls from accessing education.

Setyo Budi reports from the Afghan capital, Kabul.

Duration: 3'23"