United Nations Radio

Women: a weekly 14-minute news magazine that looks at issues affecting ~women around the world.

In its biennial report, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) provides examples that show that for women's rights to translate into real improvements in women's lives, women must be able to participate fully in public decision-making at all levels and hold those responsible to account when their rights are infringed or their needs ignored.

Congolese women testify to rape and sexual violence

UNICEF and V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls, organized two day-long events to allow women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to speak out about widespread rape and sexual violence. On September 12th in Goma, and on 19 September in Bukavu, women came forward and publicly told their experiences of rape and sexual violence.

Presidents of Liberia and Chile in general debate

The presidents of Liberia and Chile have in common a revitalized economy, improving social indicators and a desire to encourage and help others beyond their borders. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia told the annual General Assembly gathering that Liberia is making major improvements in large part due to help from the UN, and is preparing a colloquium on women's leadership next year. Michelle Bachelet, president of Chile, says her country is on target to achieve the Millennium Development Goals ahead of the 2015 target, and is helping Chile's neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean to meet Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 on improving child health and ending maternal mortality.

Producer: Diane Bailey

(duration: 14'00")