Pulitzer Prize winning playwright tackles issue of exploited women and girls
Marsha Norman, playwright
Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Marsha Norman's next big production will be a stage play about some of the issues women and girls face, including sexual violence and exploitation. She is working with "Theatre for Humans" a group that tackles socially conscience issues and the UN's Creative Community Outreach Initiative. Norman has written numerous plays about what she calls "the trapped girl" including "'night, Mother" and "The Color Purple". She says her mission is to give voice to people who otherwise might not be heard.
women and children hard hit by Somalian famine
Women and children in Somalia hardest hit by famine
Women and children in Somali are the hardest hit by the famine there. Many mothers say they would rather die trying to reach a UN relief camp, than stay where they are. So they walk through the desert, with their children strapped to their backs for days in the African heat without food or water. The Horn of Africa is suffering the worst drought in 60 years, forcing people to flee their homes in search of food and water. Exacerbating the situation is fighting between various factions in Somalia, which has made access difficult and even dangerous.
campaign to end violence against women
UN contest for best campaign to end violence against women
An online campaign is underway to get people to vote for the best ad to end violence against women. According to the UN, up to 70 percent of women have experienced violence at some point in their lives. The "VOTE to Say No - UNiTE to End Violence against Women" online contest ends July 31. The website is http://www.create4theun.org/. More than 2,700 entries from 40 European countries – prepared by both creative professionals and ordinary members of the public – have been submitted.
Producer: Julie Walker Editor: Daniel Dickinson Production Assistant: Charles Appel
Duration: 10’00″
