In-depth coverage of the issues affecting the female populations of the developing world, featuring reporting, analysis, expert interviews and commentary. https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/rss en Gender-Based Violence Reproductive Rights Mon, 22 Jan 2018 11:20:00 +0000 Sarita Santoshini https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/22/in-northern-uganda-male-mentors-spread-the-word-on-family-planning https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/22/in-northern-uganda-male-mentors-spread-the-word-on-family-planning A hundred men in Acholi region have been trained to advocate for family planning, by spreading awareness and counselling other men on the health and financial benefits of respecting their wives’ rights to help make decisions on when and how many children they have. Health Politics and Policy Reproductive Rights Mon, 22 Jan 2018 10:20:00 +0000 Rodrigue Rwirahira https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/22/rwandas-proposed-abortion-amendment-takes-procedure-out-of-the-courts https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/22/rwandas-proposed-abortion-amendment-takes-procedure-out-of-the-courts Rwanda’s current penal code says the final decision over whether a woman can have an abortion lies with courts. Often women have to wait weeks or months for a ruling. Now, a new amendment would allow most abortions to go through with the consent of the woman and her doctor. Education Solutions Fri, 19 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Linus Unah https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/19/girls-code-their-way-out-of-nigerias-slums-and-into-the-tech-sector https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/19/girls-code-their-way-out-of-nigerias-slums-and-into-the-tech-sector Nigeria’s tech industry may be booming, but the sector is still dominated by men. A coding program aimed at girls from a Lagos slum encourages them to pursue careers in computers and teaches that tech could help life them and their communities out of poverty. Health Thu, 18 Jan 2018 13:20:00 +0000 Louise Donovan, Hannah O’Neill https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/18/my-daughter-demands-more-the-men-fighting-child-marriage-in-lebanon https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/18/my-daughter-demands-more-the-men-fighting-child-marriage-in-lebanon Around Lebanon, men working as peer leaders are educating other men on the damage that child marriage does to girls and young women, in the hopes of convincing fathers to stop marrying off their daughters. Education Health Solutions Wed, 17 Jan 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Corinne Redfern https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/17/ivory-coast-teens-take-on-childcare-to-help-classmates-stay-in-school https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/17/ivory-coast-teens-take-on-childcare-to-help-classmates-stay-in-school In a village outside Abidjan, young mothers are getting the chance to continue their education thanks to best friends and sisters who are splitting their days between school and childcare. Health Reproductive Rights Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:30:00 +0000 Marta Kasztelan https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/16/love-child-behind-the-rise-in-cambodias-teen-pregnancy-rates https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/16/love-child-behind-the-rise-in-cambodias-teen-pregnancy-rates Cambodia has seen a dramatic spike in teen pregnancies since 2010, with rates tripling in some parts of the country, as an increasing number of teenage girls choose to get married ‘for love.’ Health Reproductive Rights Solutions Fri, 12 Jan 2018 10:30:00 +0000 Dominic Kirui https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/12/the-kenyan-church-leader-who-became-a-family-planning-champion https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/12/the-kenyan-church-leader-who-became-a-family-planning-champion In West Pokot county, which has one of the highest fertility rates in Kenya, a Catholic catechist is spreading the word about the benefits of contraceptive use, hoping to save community members from the struggles he faced as part of a large family. Crisis and Conflict Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:20:00 +0000 Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/12/podcast-at-the-feet-of-the-mother https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/12/podcast-at-the-feet-of-the-mother As part of our series on the role of women in countering violent extremism, we collaborated with Middle East podcast Kerning Cultures on an episode about the role of mothers, told through Christianne Boudreau’s story. Health Thu, 11 Jan 2018 13:00:00 +0000 Didem Tali https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/11/how-mongolia-revolutionized-reproductive-health-for-nomadic-women https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/11/how-mongolia-revolutionized-reproductive-health-for-nomadic-women With a series of health reforms and the use of new technologies, Mongolia has dramatically cut its maternal mortality rate and boosted access to maternal healthcare for one of its most vulnerable populations: nomadic women in remote communities. Gender-Based Violence Tue, 09 Jan 2018 09:30:00 +0000 Tracey Eaton https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/09/sexual-exploitation-of-girls-on-the-rise-in-bolivia-activists-warn https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/09/sexual-exploitation-of-girls-on-the-rise-in-bolivia-activists-warn NGOs say increasing numbers of young girls are being forced or coaxed into prostitution in Bolivia, turning the country into Latin America’s latest sex tourism destination. Crisis and Conflict Education Mon, 08 Jan 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Fabíola Ortiz https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/08/they-told-me-i-would-be-a-soldier-the-drc-conflicts-forgotten-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/08/they-told-me-i-would-be-a-soldier-the-drc-conflicts-forgotten-girls Girls make up between 30-40 percent of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They face greater stigma than boys when trying to reintegrate into their communities, but demobilization programs are not taking their specific needs into account, experts say. Health Fri, 05 Jan 2018 09:00:00 +0000 Sara Hylton https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/05/the-mothers-and-midwives-behind-south-sudans-maternal-mortality-crisis https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/05/the-mothers-and-midwives-behind-south-sudans-maternal-mortality-crisis The world’s youngest country, South Sudan, also has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates. In her photo essay, Sara Hylton captures the challenges facing new mothers in Juba and the struggles of midwives trying to make it safer for women to give birth. Gender-Based Violence Wed, 03 Jan 2018 10:30:00 +0000 Rumbi Chakamba https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/03/women-accused-of-witchcraft-face-assault-and-death-in-tanzania https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/03/women-accused-of-witchcraft-face-assault-and-death-in-tanzania Each year, hundreds of people - most of them women – were killed for being suspected witches. Rights activists say raising awareness and investing in development can help stop communities from turning on their elders. Crisis and Conflict Health Wed, 03 Jan 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Alexandra Bradford https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/03/the-syrian-doctor-building-an-underground-hospital-for-women-and-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/03/the-syrian-doctor-building-an-underground-hospital-for-women-and-girls With Syria’s healthcare system crippled by conflict, women and children are dying from treatable illnesses. One doctor and his team are providing them safe, dedicated medical care by building hospitals below ground, out of the reach of airstrikes. Education Politics and Policy Tue, 02 Jan 2018 09:30:00 +0000 Melissa Lyttle, Irene Caselli https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/02/babies-behind-bars https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2018/01/02/babies-behind-bars In the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, mothers serving prison sentences are allowed to keep children under 4 with them as they serve their sentence. They say having the kids there helps, but some worry it’s sending the wrong message. Crisis and Conflict Health Solutions Fri, 29 Dec 2017 03:00:00 +0000 David Njagi https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/29/in-kenya-piped-water-shields-women-and-girls-from-wild-animal-attacks https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/29/in-kenya-piped-water-shields-women-and-girls-from-wild-animal-attacks In northern Kenya, climate change forces pastoralist women and girls to compete with baboons, leopards and elephants for water. By installing pipes and tanks to bring water to villages, communities can keep girls in school and women out of the path of danger. Health Reproductive Rights Wed, 27 Dec 2017 03:00:00 +0000 Vandana Tripathi, Mary Nell Wegner, Kayla McGowan, Sarah Hodin https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/27/surgery-a-cure-for-fistula-but-also-a-cause https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/27/surgery-a-cure-for-fistula-but-also-a-cause Four maternal health experts come together to examine how fistula, while known to be treatable by surgery, is also caused by unsafe surgical techniques, and what the global health community can do about it. Fri, 22 Dec 2017 12:36:34 +0000 Daniel Sitole https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/22/kenyan-conservation-group-led-by-women-thrives-where-men-have-failed https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/22/kenyan-conservation-group-led-by-women-thrives-where-men-have-failed By using an indigenous wild basil to make a medicinal ointment, the Muliru self-help group of Isecheno Village has found a way to benefit the local community while preserving the threatened resources of Kakamega Forest. Health Solutions Wed, 20 Dec 2017 03:00:07 +0000 Amy Fallon https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/20/last-hope-the-doctor-who-fixes-inoperable-fistulas-in-nigeria https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/20/last-hope-the-doctor-who-fixes-inoperable-fistulas-in-nigeria At Evangel fistula center in Jos, Dr. Sunday Lengmang performs a complicated surgery, always for free, to cure cases of fistula that most surgeons can’t or won’t even try to treat. Health Minority Rights Reproductive Rights Solutions Tue, 19 Dec 2017 04:12:37 +0000 Puja Changoiwala https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/19/the-fight-to-end-forced-sterilization-of-girls-with-disabilities https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/19/the-fight-to-end-forced-sterilization-of-girls-with-disabilities Girls with disabilities in India are often at risk of forced hysterectomies when they begin to menstruate. One activist in Mumbai is educating both parents and children about periods to protect girls from unnecessary procedures and other types of abuse. Health Politics and Policy Mon, 18 Dec 2017 13:06:23 +0000 Sutirtha Sahariah https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/18/abused-and-imprisoned-in-indias-state-run-care-homes-for-women https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/18/abused-and-imprisoned-in-indias-state-run-care-homes-for-women Women’s care homes in India are meant to offer protection for those who have nowhere else to go. But activists, authorities and former residents accuse the overcrowded, understaffed homes of trapping women in a cycle of abuse. Health Solutions Fri, 15 Dec 2017 11:30:31 +0000 Amy Fallon https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/15/menstrual-cups-and-reusable-pads-are-a-hit-in-ugandas-refugee-camps https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/15/menstrual-cups-and-reusable-pads-are-a-hit-in-ugandas-refugee-camps Menstrual hygiene is a challenge for the women across Africa who lack access to sanitary products and running water. A pilot program in a refugee camp in Uganda looks at whether reusable, long-lasting menstrual cups could be the solution. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Health Reproductive Rights Thu, 14 Dec 2017 03:00:19 +0000 Jihii Jolly, Megan Clement https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/14/deeply-talks-caring-for-rohingya-women-and-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/14/deeply-talks-caring-for-rohingya-women-and-girls Women & Girls speaks with Dr. Hassan Abdi of UNFPA and journalist Katie Arnold about how best to provide sexual and reproductive healthcare to Rohingya women and girls amid one of the world’s most desperate humanitarian crises. Gender-Based Violence Health Tue, 12 Dec 2017 09:39:21 +0000 Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/12/6-experts-to-watch-on-female-genital-mutilation https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/12/6-experts-to-watch-on-female-genital-mutilation As part of our ‘Experts to Watch’ series, we meet six campaigners who are advancing research, policy and action on the ground to bring an end to female genital cutting. Health Reproductive Rights Mon, 11 Dec 2017 12:07:33 +0000 Sophie Cousins https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/11/sri-lankan-women-too-scared-to-seek-legal-post-abortion-care https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/11/sri-lankan-women-too-scared-to-seek-legal-post-abortion-care Abortion is illegal in almost all cases in Sri Lanka, but it’s perfectly legal for women to seek help after complications from backstreet abortions. Still, the fear of stigma and discrimination prevents many from coming forward. Politics and Policy Mon, 11 Dec 2017 11:42:03 +0000 Dr. Kate Grantham, Dr. Bipasha Baruah https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/11/womens-ngos-are-changing-the-world-and-not-getting-credit-for-it https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/11/womens-ngos-are-changing-the-world-and-not-getting-credit-for-it In contemporary global development circles, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are now performing many more roles and activities than they did a few decades ago. Gender-Based Violence Solutions Fri, 08 Dec 2017 03:00:55 +0000 Shadrack Omuka https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/08/how-a-whatsapp-group-is-fighting-child-marriage-and-fgm-in-kenya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/08/how-a-whatsapp-group-is-fighting-child-marriage-and-fgm-in-kenya In rural southern Kenya, it can be difficult to reach girls at risk of experiencing genital cutting and forced marriage, but a gender officer in local government has set up a WhatsApp group to help the community intervene to protect their children. Health Politics and Policy Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:34:35 +0000 Skye Wheeler https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/07/the-devastating-domino-effect-of-the-global-gag-rule-in-kenya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/12/07/the-devastating-domino-effect-of-the-global-gag-rule-in-kenya State-run clinics are exempt from the ban on U.S. funding going to groups that provide abortion services. But many government clinics rely on essential support from NGOs, who can no longer afford to offer it, says Skye Wheeler of Human Rights Watch. Gender-Based Violence Wed, 06 Dec 2017 11:49:40 +0000 Christabel Ligami https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/06/universities-asked-to-step-up-to-address-rape-on-campus-in-kenya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/06/universities-asked-to-step-up-to-address-rape-on-campus-in-kenya Campus sexual assault is a widespread problem in Kenya, but universities often let perpetrators off with a warning, activists say. Meanwhile, many survivors are too scared to come forward with their stories of abuse. Politics and Policy Wed, 06 Dec 2017 10:43:28 +0000 Tendai Marima https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/06/after-mugabe-zimbabwes-women-push-for-more-political-visibility https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/12/06/after-mugabe-zimbabwes-women-push-for-more-political-visibility As Zimbabwe adjusts to its first new president in almost four decades, News Deeply spoke to women leaders and rights campaigners about whether they think the status of women will improve under the new regime.