Lusaka, Zambia — Ministers of Health and Heads of Delegation from Member States attended a high-level meeting, titled “Advancing Leadership for Women’s Health and SRHR in the WHO African Region“, as part of the 75th Session of the Regional Committee of the WHO African Region. Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, Director of Programme Management, representing the WHO…
Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, briefed the Security Council’s open debate on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) on Tuesday, presenting the Secretary-General’s annual report and stressing the need to support survivors in conflict zones where services are increasingly inaccessible. The crisis of CRSV is deepening, reflecting the widening scope of warfare globally….
Sexual violence in conflict zones rose sharply in 2024, increasing by a quarter compared to the previous year, the UN reported on Thursday. More than 4,600 survivors endured abuses used as weapons of war, torture, terrorism and political repression. According to the annual Report of the Secretary-General on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, both State and non-State…
Even after more than three decades of global efforts to promote inclusive sexual and reproductive health policies, many women with disabilities in Africa still face serious challenges. Their rights are often overlooked, and they have limited access to contraception and other essential services. Lack of access to sexual health knowledge or contraception doesn’t happen in…
In the context of continuing global crises and diminishing donor funding, grassroots organisations and advocacy networks are facing difficult circumstances in maintaining services and advocating for progressive policy changes. And sexual and reproductive health accesses are being eroded. In response to these cumulative and complex challenges, MenEngage Africa and Sonke Gender Justice are catalysing a…
Addis Ababa — To address gaps in sexual and reproductive healthcare access, widened by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing humanitarian crises, Ethiopia is reinforcing its health system, making these vital services more accessible for women and adolescents in remote and crisis-affected areas. A key part of this effort is promoting self-care, by giving people the…
Sexual violence in conflict is a tactic of war, torture and terror. It does not only devastate survivors but also tears apart families and communities. The trauma, shame and stigma are borne by victims, not perpetrators – echoing across generations. In 2024 alone, the UN verified around 4,500 cases of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), though…
An actor and screenwriter has accused Tyler Perry of sexual harassment, alleging in a lawsuit that the media mogul repeatedly made unwanted advances and sought to cover up an assault with an offer to develop a show. The 46-page complaint, which was filed last week in Los Angeles County Superior Court and seeks punitive damages…
