Obstetric fistula eradication requires accelerated action – UNFPA

Each year on May 23, the global community commemorates the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula – a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. The theme this year is “20 years on – progress but not enough! Act now to end fistula by 2030!” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year between 50,000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula. Women who experience obstetric fistula struggle with constant incontinence, shame, social…

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Study: Women face gender bias in sectors they dominate

A study conducted by three female gender experts on women leaders from four female-dominated industries found that women in those industries still experience gender bias, Daily Nation reports. While women experience overt discrimination in male-dominated industries like science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the findings of research conducted by the three doctors – Amy Diehl, Leanne Dzumbinski and Amber Stephenson, who specialise in gender studies – show that gender bias is still prevalent in gender-balanced and female-dominated industries. The study, A Cross-Industry Comparison of How Women Leaders Experience Gender Bias, interviewed…

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Sex crimes: What will it take to end the vice?

To curb sexual violence, the Rwandan government and justice system introduced a new development of publicly publishing the names of all individuals convicted of rape or defilement. This was not only intended to strengthen but also to supplement the current policies and measures in place. However, despite various measures put in place to combat such crimes, there has been an increase in the number of people committing sexual offenses, according to the sex offender registry published by the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA). The first registry was released in October…

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Rusizi district to provide financial aid to vulnerable families

Rusizi district last week launched a new program aimed at providing over Rwf 1 million to each vulnerable family to support their small business projects and improve their livelihood. This initiative is a result of the “Muyobozi Ca Ingando mu Bawe” program, which involves district authorities camping in remote areas to hear and address the problems faced by the population. Dr Anicet Kibiriga, the Mayor of Rusizi district said that the camping program has enabled district officials to interact with the population, meet with private sectors, religious organizations, stakeholders, as…

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EAC moves to protect migrant workers from abuse

In the wake of reported human rights violations in the Gulf countries, the East African Community (EAC) is pursuing the harmonisation of labour migration policies to curb exploitation and abuse of migrant workers, The East African reports. The initiative being spearheaded by the International Labour Organisation and the EAC secretariat is targeting to strengthen regional integration to safeguard the lives of those who seek greener pastures in key labour destination countries. The regional technical working committee is reviewing the existing Bilateral Labour Agreements (BLAs) in EAC to develop a guideline…

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Anti-Smuggling unit bust liquor smugglers

The Rwanda National Police (RNP) Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime (ASOC) department, on Friday April 21, busted a house in Rukiri village, Kabeza cell of Kanombe sector, Kicukiro District which was used as store for smuggled wines and liquors. The ASOC officers raided the rental house at about 8p.m, where 406 bottles of assorted smuggled wines and spirits, all valued at Frw15 million, as well as 360 packets of cigarette, were recovered. Four people, including a woman and her daughter, the alleged owner of the seized smuggled goods, as well as…

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Foreigners evacuated as factions battle in Sudan’s Khartoum

The armed forces of the United States and the United Kingdom have evacuated embassy staff from Sudan, while other nations are rushing to get their citizens to safety as rival military factions battle in the capital Khartoum. The eruption of fighting eight days ago between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has triggered a humanitarian crisis, killed 420 people and trapped millions of Sudanese without access to basic services. As people attempted to flee the chaos, countries began landing planes and organising convoys in Khartoum to pull out their nationals. “UK armed forces…

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UN mission accuses EU of aiding crimes against humanity in Libya

Fact-finding mission says state security forces and armed militia groups have committed a wide array of war crimes and crimes against humanity. United Nations investigators say there is evidence that crimes against humanity have been committed against Libyans and migrants stuck in Libya, including women being forced into sexual slavery. The investigators commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council also faulted the European Union for sending support to Libyan forces that they say contributed to crimes against migrants and Libyans. Investigators said they are deeply concerned by the deteriorating human…

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Rwandan MPs propose one-month paternity leave

Some lawmakers have proposed that paternity leave be increased from the current four days to 30 days, with a view to enable a father to give adequate care to the mother as well as bond with the newborn. The lawmakers made the proposal on Tuesday, March 21, as the Lower House’ Committee on Social Affairs started scrutinising a bill that seeks to amend the 2018 law governing labor in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Activists call for paternity leave to be increased to six weeks Among other proposals, the bill provides for maternity…

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South Korean opposition leader indicted for alleged corruption

Leader of left-leaning Democratic Party faces charges including bribery, breach of duty and conflict of interest. South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has been indicted on corruption charges related to real estate developments and a football club he oversaw during a stint as a city mayor. Lee, the leader of the left-leaning Democratic Party, faces charges including bribery, breach of duty, conflict of interest and concealment of criminal proceeds stemming from his time as mayor of Seongnam, South Korea’s state-funded Yonhap News Agency reported on Wednesday. Seoul Central District Prosecutors…

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