UN calls for strong action to eliminate violence against women

25 November 2005

The United Nations today marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with calls for states to take legal action against the global scourge, for societies to change a mindset that permits such abuse, and for women themselves to stand up and speak out against a culture of shame.

Security Council urges protecting women in war, empowering them as peacemakers

27 October 2005

Five years after adopting a resolution on protecting women who are victims of war and helping them play a greater role as peacemakers, the United Nations Security Council today stressed the importance of accelerating implementation of the landmark measure.

UN must translate pledges on women, peace and security into action, officials say

26 October 2005

On the eve of a Security Council meeting marking the fifth anniversary of the adoption of its landmark resolution on women, peace and security, key officials involved in the initiative today said more must be done to translate promises into action.

At UN-backed workshop, participants urge efforts to protect women in wartime

19 October 2005

Five years after the adoption of a groundbreaking Security Council resolution on women in armed conflict, emissaries from some of the most war-ravaged parts of the world meeting at a United Nations-backed conference in Bucharest said more must be done to implement its provisions.

UN women’s fund promotes decent work for the working poor

31 August 2005

With the informal sector providing the major employment for women worldwide, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) today called on Governments to improve the sector as they calculate progress towards the reduction of poverty in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Ten years after Beijing conference, Annan urges major push for women’s equality

29 August 2005

Ten years after the United Nations conference on women’s rights in Beijing and just weeks before a summit of world leaders at UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on the international community to turn their commitments into action to achieve full gender equality.

Despite new opportunities, stereotypes still keep women out of key jobs – Annan

25 August 2005

Although globalization has raised women’s awareness of employment options and improved job opportunities – particularly in the service sector – lingering stereotypes and rigid gender roles can keep them from entering male-dominated sectors or accessing top managerial positions, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report.

UN agency calls for steps to improve health care in Latin America and Caribbean

22 August 2005

A United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report on progress made toward meeting Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Latin America and the Caribbean has recommended a number of steps to improve health care in region, while noting that area’s maternal mortality ratio statistics masked serious problems, including a lack of reliable sources for detecting and recording deaths.

States should make more effort to prevention violence against women migrants

17 August 2005

With worker migration becoming increasingly feminized, governments should provide education about the rights of women migrant workers, allow them residency status independent of men and ratify international instruments prohibiting violence against women and their trafficking, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says.

Rural and minority women still meet many forms of discrimination, UN panel says

25 July 2005

Persistent customs and traditions have kept women in inferior positions in the countries which recently submitted national reports, the United Nations committee reviewing progress on complying with the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women says.

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