In 2010, two British survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM) and I started a charity called Daughters of Eve in order to mainstream the issue and change how it is addressed. FGM has been a criminal offence in the UK since …
I attended the local launch of the UNESCO Education for All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report (GMR) 2012 on a sultry Friday morning at Tanzania's National Museum. This year the thematic focus was on 'Youth and Skills: Putting Education to Work'. …
Hands up who thought slavery and the slave trade was abolished years ago? Perhaps even centuries ago? In fact, despite being illegal in almost every country on earth, slavery exists nearly everywhere, and in staggering numbers. The International Labour Organisation estimates …
Skill. Ability. Discipline. If becoming a sportsman is hard work, becoming a sportswoman in Zambia is even tougher. You need the mental strength to challenge the assumptions of nearly everyone around you, including your own family. Sharon Museke, who I …
I've been back in the UK for five days, during which I've desperately missed Ethiopia. The last few weeks of my time there were hectic, but incredible: here are some highlights from that period. All the female members of the …
The Ethiopian population is approximately 35% Muslim and 65% Christian. While this kind of religious mix has caused bitter conflict in numerous countries around the world, the two faiths live in relative harmony here. My counterpart national volunteer, Hana, has …
I celebrated the 101st International Women's Day in the halls of the United Nations last week. I followed Twitter, and shared blogs and news stories that collectively called we women to action. When I take a step back, as I …
Organising Community Action Days is an important part of our role here in north-west Bangladesh. They are a great opportunity to bring the whole village together and raise awareness about issues affecting the community. Knowing the importance of gender issues …
As we approach International Women's Day, it is appropriate to reflect on how well we are doing in assuring the human rights of women worldwide. In these complicated economic and political times, it is clear that women are bearing a …
This month, I shall be leaving London to work on a dairy farming and livelihoods project in Bangladesh as part of the International Citizen Service (ICS), a youth volunteering programme funded by DFID. Having filled in all the forms, completed …
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