Exploring potential solutions to issues affecting women and girls in developing countries around the world https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/solutions/rss en 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. 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 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 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 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 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. 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 Solutions Thu, 30 Nov 2017 12:23:06 +0000 Amy Fallon https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/30/the-woman-entrepreneur-taking-the-taboo-out-of-hiv-testing-in-nigeria https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/30/the-woman-entrepreneur-taking-the-taboo-out-of-hiv-testing-in-nigeria In Nigeria, publicly addressing anything related to sex, such as HIV/AIDS testing, can spark fear and prejudice. But as the world prepares to mark World AIDS Day, one woman is helping Nigerians stay safe without the social stigma. Health Solutions Fri, 17 Nov 2017 11:40:01 +0000 Fiona Callister https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/11/17/why-we-should-invest-as-much-in-toilets-as-we-do-in-leonardo-da-vinci https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/11/17/why-we-should-invest-as-much-in-toilets-as-we-do-in-leonardo-da-vinci One in three people around the world have no access to a working toilet. But access to sanitation and clean water is essential to women’s health, education and opportunities, says Fiona Callister, global head of media at WaterAid. Crisis and Conflict Gender-Based Violence Solutions Thu, 16 Nov 2017 10:13:26 +0000 Katie Arnold https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/16/rohingya-women-and-girls-fleeing-rape-find-solace-in-safe-spaces https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/16/rohingya-women-and-girls-fleeing-rape-find-solace-in-safe-spaces In the Rohingya refugee camps of southern Bangladesh, women-only support centers run by volunteers offer a safe space for those who have survived violence during Myanmar’s brutal military campaign. Solutions Tue, 14 Nov 2017 13:20:19 +0000 Albert Motivans https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/11/14/to-measure-gender-inequality-we-need-to-tap-into-the-promise-of-data https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/11/14/to-measure-gender-inequality-we-need-to-tap-into-the-promise-of-data Current methods of tracking our progress on the Sustainable Development Goals are falling short, says Albert Motivans, head of data and insights at Equal Measures 2030. The solution lies in more inclusive, and more creative, ways of collecting and understanding data. Education Health Solutions Thu, 09 Nov 2017 11:11:23 +0000 Sally Nyakanyanga https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/09/free-sanitary-pads-to-fight-school-dropout-child-marriage-in-zimbabwe https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/09/free-sanitary-pads-to-fight-school-dropout-child-marriage-in-zimbabwe When they get their periods, many girls in Zimbabwe skip school or drop out; others resort to exchanging sex for sanitary pads. The government and NGOs hope that giving girls free or affordable pads will stop puberty from derailing their education and childhoods. Health Solutions Fri, 03 Nov 2017 13:32:36 +0000 Sally Nyakanyanga https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/03/in-zimbabwe-grandmothers-on-benches-help-fight-depression https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/11/03/in-zimbabwe-grandmothers-on-benches-help-fight-depression At clinics around the country, women trained as community health workers sit on benches under trees and offer free counseling to people struggling with mental health issues. One study shows that these Friendship Benches work better than conventional treatments. Gender-Based Violence Solutions Wed, 25 Oct 2017 12:06:44 +0000 Jillian Kestler-D’Amours https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/25/mauritanias-veterans-in-the-fight-against-sexual-violence https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/25/mauritanias-veterans-in-the-fight-against-sexual-violence Since the El Wafa center opened to help survivors of sexual violence 15 years ago, women in Mauritania are more willing to come forward, but weak legislation and cultural taboos mean many are still suffering in silence. Heroes Solutions Tue, 17 Oct 2017 14:11:47 +0000 Clarissa Maracci https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/17/power-from-pain-standing-up-for-widows-and-orphans-in-kenya https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/17/power-from-pain-standing-up-for-widows-and-orphans-in-kenya Divorced, widowed and childless, Roseline Orwa knows all too well the challenges faced by women in Kenya’s remote communities. Through her Rona Foundation, she pushes for the rights of widows around the country and helps them build new lives. Education Gender-Based Violence Health Solutions Wed, 11 Oct 2017 13:24:58 +0000 Megan Clement https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/how-the-world-needs-to-get-better-for-girls https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/how-the-world-needs-to-get-better-for-girls On International Day of the Girl Child, we reflect on how much the international community still owes the girls of this world and why we need to make their voices heard. Gender-Based Violence Health Solutions Wed, 11 Oct 2017 09:19:34 +0000 Thomas Bwire https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/out-of-the-box-giving-voice-to-schoolgirls-in-kenyas-kibera-slum https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/11/out-of-the-box-giving-voice-to-schoolgirls-in-kenyas-kibera-slum For many girls, enduring a personal problem means suffering in silence. But a school-based program in the Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi lets girls share their secrets and get help using just a piece of paper and a wooden box. Crisis and Conflict Solutions Tue, 10 Oct 2017 10:49:49 +0000 Tendai Marima https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/10/renewed-hope-for-rwandas-aging-genocide-widows https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/10/10/renewed-hope-for-rwandas-aging-genocide-widows Unlike many other post-conflict African nations, Rwanda is working to support women widowed by the country’s 1994 genocide. With the establishment of care homes and other initiatives, the country’s elderly widows can finally find peace. Health Solutions Wed, 27 Sep 2017 12:50:44 +0000 Beth Schlachter, Tara Sullivan https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/09/27/why-womens-voices-matter-most-when-we-talk-about-family-planning https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/09/27/why-womens-voices-matter-most-when-we-talk-about-family-planning Two family planning specialists share the experiences that shaped their approach to reproductive health and explain how highlighting the voices of individual women can make a real difference. Crisis and Conflict Solutions Wed, 27 Sep 2017 10:11:59 +0000 Alexandra Bradford https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/27/handmade-dolls-tell-stories-of-struggle-and-hope-from-war-torn-syria https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/27/handmade-dolls-tell-stories-of-struggle-and-hope-from-war-torn-syria Created by two Syrian sisters in Lebanon, the dolls in the Ana Collection are decorated with images representing the fears and dreams of people living through the conflict raging in Syria. Health Solutions Mon, 25 Sep 2017 11:01:38 +0000 Linus Unah https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/09/25/for-one-ngo-the-fight-against-fgm-in-nigeria-is-personal https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/09/25/for-one-ngo-the-fight-against-fgm-in-nigeria-is-personal Some of the women working with the Value Female Network were subjected to female genital mutilation when they were girls. Now they visit communities around Nigeria to raise awareness about the procedure’s dangers and help cutters find new ways to make a living. Education Gender-Based Violence Solutions Fri, 22 Sep 2017 08:54:26 +0000 William Davies, Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/22/when-girls-get-strong-the-kung-fu-nuns-who-teach-self-defense https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/22/when-girls-get-strong-the-kung-fu-nuns-who-teach-self-defense Nuns from the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism are known for their strength, athletic ability and humanitarian relief work. By example, they are teaching conservative villages that girls should be nurtured and supported. Education Solutions Mon, 11 Sep 2017 15:40:53 +0000 Sutirtha Sahariah https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/11/women-in-indias-slums-use-mobile-phones-to-fight-injustice https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/11/women-in-indias-slums-use-mobile-phones-to-fight-injustice In New Delhi slums, a charity is training women paralegals to represent residents being denied their benefits, helping them file grievances with the government through text messages. Gender-Based Violence Heroes Solutions Thu, 07 Sep 2017 07:30:39 +0000 Suparna Gangal https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/07/at-an-indian-cafe-acid-attack-survivors-find-solace-and-pride https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/09/07/at-an-indian-cafe-acid-attack-survivors-find-solace-and-pride At Sheroes Cafe in India, the staff are all women who have survived acid attacks. Once confined to their homes, the women now refuse to let their physical scars stop them from living their lives. Health Reproductive Rights Solutions Tue, 05 Sep 2017 11:51:45 +0000 Jihii Jolly https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/09/05/9-experts-to-watch-on-family-planning https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/09/05/9-experts-to-watch-on-family-planning As part of our ‘Experts to Watch’ series, we highlight nine experts who are advancing research, policy and interventions for women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights. Health Politics and Policy Reproductive Rights Solutions Thu, 24 Aug 2017 04:46:30 +0000 Megan Clement https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/08/24/four-ways-the-world-got-better-for-women-and-girls-this-month https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/08/24/four-ways-the-world-got-better-for-women-and-girls-this-month In the month of August alone, India has banned instant divorce, Jordan and Lebanon have ended “marry-your-rapist” laws, Chile has lifted its total abortion ban and Nepal has outlawed menstrual discrimination. Education Solutions Tue, 22 Aug 2017 07:23:22 +0000 Megan Clement https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/08/22/daughters-of-destiny-wasnt-supposed-to-be-about-girls-director-2 https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/community/2017/08/22/daughters-of-destiny-wasnt-supposed-to-be-about-girls-director-2 Netflix docuseries Daughters of Destiny follows five girls as they make their way through a school that educates India’s most disadvantaged children. Director Vanessa Roth spoke to News Deeply about why she spent seven years following their stories. Reproductive Rights Solutions Mon, 21 Aug 2017 12:37:01 +0000 Ana P. Santos https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/08/21/philippines-sees-rise-in-multiple-teen-pregnancies-to-older-men https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/08/21/philippines-sees-rise-in-multiple-teen-pregnancies-to-older-men The Philippines is struggling to find solutions to its soaring teen pregnancy rates, and finding that addressing the problem requires interventions that go beyond contraception education and access. Culture Solutions Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:16:05 +0000 James McLaughlin, Priti Salian https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/08/10/daughters-of-mumbais-sex-workers-take-to-the-stage-at-edinburgh-fringe https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/articles/2017/08/10/daughters-of-mumbais-sex-workers-take-to-the-stage-at-edinburgh-fringe In Lal Batti Express, women and girls from India’s red-light districts share their experiences of trauma and healing. Now they’re taking their stories to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the first time.