News and Events Message for World Population Day 2010 Everyone Counts — As we commemorate World Population Day, "Everyone Counts" is a theme that speaks to the inherent value and dignity of each human being, in Nepal and around the world. EVERYONE COUNTS: QUALITY DATA ESSENTIAL TO IMPROVING PEOPLE'S LIVES, SAYS UNFPA — Reliable information is essential for governments to formulate policies that would meet people's needs and improve their lives, according to Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. Message for World Population Day 2010 Everyone Counts — As we commemorate World Population Day, "Everyone Counts" is a theme that speaks to the inherent value and dignity of each human being. International Day of the Midwife, 5 May 2010 Joint message of Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, and Agneta S. Bridges, Secretary-General, ICM, the International Confederation of Midwives — Each year, hundreds of thousands of women die and three million newborns do not survive the first week of life because they lack access to maternity health services and skilled midwifery care. New 'Asia and the Pacific at a Glance' and other 2009 UNFPA publications on Asia 2 February 2010 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women Message of Ms. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA 25 November 2009 — In the 16 days leading up to Human Rights Day and every day, let us come together to demand an end to the most pervasive yet least reported human rights abuse in the world. Let us all take a stand and say loud and clear 'No to violence against women'. Women central to efforts to deal with climate change, says new UNFPA report 18 November 2009 — Women bear the disproportionate burden of climate change, but have so far been largely overlooked in the debate about how to address problems of rising seas, droughts, melting glaciers and extreme weather, concludes The State of World Population 2009, released today by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2009 17 October 2009 — To expand gains in human development and to realize rights that have been agreed to by nations around the world including Nepal, now is the time to invest in women and girls - in their health, education, participation and well-being. United Nations Marks Fifteenth Anniversary of ICPD 12 October 2009 — The General Assembly today marked the fifteenth anniversary of the 1994 Cairo International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), which adopted a 20-year plan to provide access to reproductive health, reduce maternal deaths, promote women's rights and help reduce poverty. Message from Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director International Day of Older Persons: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of Older Persons: Towards a Society for All Ages 1 October 2009 — Today, 10 years after the first celebration of the International Day of Older Persons, there are more older people in the world than ever before. More than 1 person in 10 is over the age of 60 and older generations are growing faster than other age groups in the population. In 2050, it is estimated that more than 1 in 5 persons will be more than 60 years old. Geri Halliwell on Mission to Nepal to Highlight Impact of Maternal Death, Injuries 7 September 2009 — Former Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell, a Goodwill Ambassador of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, will be in Nepal from 6 to 9 September to highlight the devastating effects of maternal death and injuries such as uterine prolapse on women in the country. A mother herself, Ms. Halliwell will witness efforts to make motherhood safer in the country. SUSTAINABILITY: Our Challenge. Our Future. Celebrating International Youth Day in Nepal 12 August 2009 — Young people are key partners in sustainable development. They often lead by example: practicing green and healthy lifestyles, or promoting innovative uses of new technologies. They deserve full access to education, adequate healthcare, employment opportunities, financial services and full participation in public life. Do More to Save Mothers' Lives, South Asian Lawmakers Urge 30 July 2009 — Reducing maternal deaths should be a higher priority for South Asian governments, agreed parliamentarians, policy makers and journalists from the region at a conference here today on reproductive health advocacy. Educate Girls - End poverty : Celebrating World Population Day, 11 July 2009 11 July 2009 — Women are economic agents who invest their earnings into raising healthier and better-educated children. Progress in social and economic development goes hand-in-hand with gender equality. This year witnessed the 20th World Population Day. In Kathmandu UNFPA celebrated the day with Nepal SBI Bank by organizing a walkathon from Babar Mahal to Jawalkhel. Statement on the Occasion of World Population Day 2009 Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA 11 July 2009 — Today, as we commemorate World Population Day, the global financial and economic crisis threatens to reverse hard-won gains in education and health in developing countries. Among those hardest hit are women and girls. This is why the theme of this year's World Population Day focuses on investing in women. Ban Ki-moon: Together, let us advance the rights of women and girls The Secretary-General Message on World Population Day 11 July 2009 — In the midst of the worst global economic crisis in generations, we must find the most effective ways to continue progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. FACTSHEET: FAMILY PLANNING - FIGHTING POVERTY AND EMPOWERING WOMEN Protecting Marginalized Populations from the Global Economic Crisis 7 July 2009 — No investment in development costs so little and brings benefits that are so far-reaching. It can reduce poverty, slow population growth, ease the pressure on the environment and make for a more stable world. Being able to plan how many children to have and when to have them is a recognized human right. International Day of the Midwife The presence of a trained midwife at birth can mean the difference between life and death 5 May 2009 — In Nepal one woman dies every four hours from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. And the presence of a midwife could save many of them. Having a skilled professional at birth protects the life of the mother and the child by recognizing problems early. World Health Day message Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director 7 April 2009 — Today, on World Health Day, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, joins the World Health Organization in drawing attention to the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers to treat people in emergencies. Young Achievers Award 2009 for the Youth Development Officer at UNFPA 28 March 2009 — 'This award belongs to every youth' said Ms. Aradhana Gurung, Youth Development Officer at UNFPA Nepal as she received the Young Achievers Award 2009 from H.E. Mr. Thosapala Hēwagē, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal. Medical Study Tour 19 March 2009 — On March 19th a group of eighteen medicine, pharmacy, nursing and social development students from Japan visited UNFPA in Nepal. The tour was an initiative of the Health Co-operative Association of Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union (HCA-JCCU). International Women's Day 8 March 2009 Message of UNFPA Executive Director, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid 8 March 2009 — Together, we can change social norms and attitudes that condone discrimination and violence against women and girls. Together, we can strengthen legal systems, access to justice and the rule of law for protecting and upholding human rights. 150 Bicycles to be Distributed among Reproductive Health Female Volunteers Kathmandu, 27 February 2009 — UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in Nepal handed over 150 preassembled bicycles and stationery to Family Planning Association of Nepal (FPAN), donated by Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP) in collaboration with the Municipal coordinating Committee for Overseas Bicycle Assistance (MCCOBA) and several Japanese municipalities. No Woman Should Die Giving Life: UNFPA Welcomes New UNICEF Report on Maternal and Newborn Health United Nations, New York, 15 January 2009 — Every minute somewhere in the world a woman dies in pregnancy or childbirth, and the women in the world's least developed countries are 300 times more likely to die in childbirth than those in developed countries. New UNFPA Representative for Nepal Presents his Letter of Credentials Kathmandu, 12 January, 2009 — Mr. Upendra Yadav Hon'ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal received the Letter of Credentials presented by Mr. Ian McFarlane, UNFPA Representative for Nepal at his office today. Human Rights Day Message of UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid 10 December 2008 — Today, as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we can trace the evolution of a powerful international movement. Delivering essential reproductive health care for women, men and adolescents through mobile reproductive health camps KATHMANDU, 1st December 2008 — The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched today two projects through which most vulnerable populations of Nepal can expect to receive immediate services. NEPAL: Domestic violence still common - activists KATHMANDU, 25 November 2008 (IRIN) — Married at the age of 12, Radha Neupane has been a victim of domestic violence for two decades. World AIDS Day 1 December 2008 — Message of UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women Statement by Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA 25 November 2008 — As we approach the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, violence against women persists as an all too common violation of human rights and human dignity. New Report Shows Cultural Sensitivity Critical to Successful Development Strategies, Women's Equality New York, Kathmandu, 12 November 2008 — Development strategies that are sensitive to cultural values can reduce harmful practices against women and promote human rights, including gender equality and women's empowerment, affirms The State of World Population 2008 report from UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. The launch of the UN Youth Advisory Panel in Nepal Kathmandu, 23 October 2008 — The launch of the UN Youth Advisory Panel in Nepal has been announced today by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nepal, Mr. Robert Piper. Faith-Based Organizations from All Continents Create Global Network to Fight Maternal Death, Aids, Poverty ISTANBUL, Turkey, 21 October 2008 — More than 75 religious leaders and representatives of Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith-based organizations today formed a Global Interfaith Network to strengthen cooperation against the global urgencies of maternal death, AIDS and poverty. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: "Human Rights and Dignity of People Living in Poverty" New York, 17 October 2008 — Today, on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, renews its commitment to the advancement of human rights as a central principle for ending poverty. Campaign to End Fistula Quadruples in Size, Reaching Over 45 Countries, Says New Report UNITED NATIONS, New York, 13 October 2008 — As the first-ever report by the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, on fistula is scheduled to be presented to Member States today, the Campaign to End Fistula announced a fourfold increase in the number of countries it serves. Aasmani Chaudhary receives Thoraya Ahmed Obaid Award for The Health and Dignity of Women presented by Americans for UNFPA New York, 7 October 2008 — On October 7, Aasmani Chaudhary from Dang, along with two other winners, María del Carmen Elu Cayado from Mexico, and Mathilde Rabary from Madagascar received the 2008 Thoraya Ahmed Obaid Award for The Health and Dignity of Women during the Americans for UNFPA's Gala Event. Message of Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2008 Today, on the International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate rising life expectancy in many regions of the world as one of humanity's major achievements. We pay tribute to older persons and the wisdom that comes with a lifetime of experience. And we acknowledge the unprecedented demographic transition that is underway in our world, with the number of persons aged 60 and older rising rapidly. New UNFPA-Supported Initiative Expands Midwives' Efforts to Save Women and Newborns New York, 22 September 2008 — UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) have launched a new initiative to tackle the severe lack of midwives in developing countries. Accelerating Efforts to Save the Lives of Women and Newborns [PDF, 223 KB] Joint Statement by WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF and the World Bank 21 September 2008 - the International Day of Peace Message of the Secretary - General of the United Nations This year, the International Day of Peace takes on special meaning. UN launches text messaging campaign for International Day of Peace UNITED NATIONS — A text messaging for peace campaign was launched on 2 September at the United Nations to bring visibility to the International Day of Peace, on 21 September. UNFPA participated in the National Anti Human Trafficking Day observations on September 5th Kathmandu, Exhibition Ground, 5 September 2008 Creating a society free of human trafficking September 5th — National Anti Human Trafficking Day United Nations provides humanitarian assistance to flood affected families in Sunsari and Saptari districts 29 August 2008 — Heavy flooding by the Saptakoshi River in Sunsari and Saptari districts in Eastern Region continues to impact an increasing number of families who have been displaced and lost their lands and houses. 'From eliminating extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV, young people are a dynamic force for positive change' - message of Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director the occasion of International Youth Day 12 August 2008 — On International Youth Day, let us recognize the potential of youth in tackling the greatest challenges of our times.From eliminating extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV, young people are a dynamic force for positive change. Gender based violence has to be approached in a systematic way, says Arjun Bahadur Singh, Director of the National Health Training Centre Kathmandu, 1 August 2008 — The National Health Training Center (MoHP) with support of UNFPA Nepal and in partnership with Maternity and Paropakar Women's Hospital (Prashuti Griha) is organizing Training of Trainers on addressing gender based violence cases identified among health services clients. World Population Day 2008 - Events Calendar The right to plan By Ugochi Daniels —At the very heart of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the freedom of choice. World Population Day serves as a reminder of this commitment to human dignity. Being able to choose when and how many children have to allow women to exercise their basic human rights. Ms. Ugochi Daniels, Country Representative, a. i. remarks on the Occasion of World Population Day [PDF, 13 KB] National Observances to Highlight Benefits of Family Planning - the Inaugural Ceremony held at the City Hall World Population Day is observed internationally on 11 July. This year's topic was 'Family Planning, it's a right, let's Make it Real'. In Nepal the activities to highlight the importance of family planning for the well-being of families, communities and nations started on July 9th with a song competition on the theme of family planning for Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools students. This was organized jointly by Radio Nepal and the Population Division, Ministry of Health and Population, with support from UNFPA. The same day an essay competition took place in the Asian College for Advance Studies. G-8 COMMITMENT TO MATERNAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IS A WELCOME BOOST TO POOR WOMEN WORLDWIDE, SAYS UNFPA UNITED NATIONS, New York, 9 July 2007-UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, today welcomed the renewed endorsement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the Group of Eight (G-8), particularly their commitment to maternal and reproductive health as means to achieving these goals. Global Observances to Highlight Benefits of Family Planning United Nations, New York, 10 July 2008-More than 140 countries worldwide will observe World Population Day 11 July by emphasizing the importance of family planning for the well-being of families, communities and nations, and by underlining the need to further integrate such services into national development plans. Statement on the Occasion of World Population Day 2008, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA New York, 11 July 2008 - Today as we commemorate World Population Day, let us renew our commitment to human dignity and the right to live in freedom from fear and want. Let us accelerate efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals to eliminate extreme poverty and hunger and to improve the health of people and our planet. We must join forces to advance women's empowerment and to ensure universal access to reproductive health by 2015. Reproductive health services protect the health of women, mothers and their babies. It's a right, let's make it real - World Population Day 2008 countdown On 11 July 2008, people around the world celebrate the 19th World Population Day. The Day's inception in 1989 by the UNFPA Governing Council prompted its endorsement by the United Nations General Assembly as an opportunity to build better awareness of population issues and their relation to development. Forty years ago, world leaders proclaimed that individuals have a basic human right to determine freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children. Forty years later, contraception and family planning information remain out of reach for hundreds of millions of women, men and young people. Unmet need is extreme among the poor and marginalized. Hence the theme for World Population Day is "It's a right, let's make it real." UNFPA Welcomes Call by UN Security Council for Immediate Halt to Sexual Violence in Conflict Settings UNITED NATIONS, New York, 24 June 2008 — UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, welcomed last week's call by the United Nations Security Council for an immediate halt of all acts of sexual violence against women in conflict situations. The Fund described it as a historical achievement that would go a long way in protecting the dignity of women and girls who are often subjected to violence as a tactic of war. 150 Bicycles to Be Distributed among Femal Community Health Volunteers in Saptari, Mahottari, Rautahat, Kapilvastu and Dang Kathmandu, 24 June 2008 — Today UNFPA Nepal handed over 150 preassembled bicycles and stationery donated by Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP) in collaboration with the Municipal Coordinating Committee for Overseas Bicycle Assistance (MCCOBA) and several Japanese municipal governments to Mr. Som Lal Suvedi, Officiating Secretary, Ministry of Local Development. The bicycles, accessories and stationeries like notebooks, pencils and pens have been collected as a donation by JOICFP from the Municipal Coordinating Committee for Overseas Bicycle Assistance (MCCOBA. The items will be further distributed through the District Pubic Health Offices (D/PHOs) for use by Female Community Health Volunteers in five districts where UNFPA is supporting Community Based Programme: Saptari, Mahottari, Rautahat, Kapilvastu and Dang. The 2008 Awardee of International Health and Dignity of Women Award - Aasmani Chaudhary from Dang introduced to wider public nationwide Kathmandu, 20 June 2008 — The UNFPA Nepal Country Office Representative organized a Press Briefing to introduce the 2008 Honoree of International Health and Dignity of Women Award at Annapurn Hotel. The International Health and Dignity of Women Award is an honor bestowed every autumn by American NGO- Americans for UNFPA- on people who make exemplary contributions to women's health and/or the promotion of women's rights. International Day of Action on Women's Health, locally recognized as Women's Health Rights Day observed Kathmandu, 1 June 2008 — During National Consultation on Women Health Rights and State's Responsibility marking the International Women's Health Right Day organized by the Women Rehabilitation Centre and the Centre for Agro-Ecology and Development with support of UNFPA Nepal and other international partners, speakers opined that the state is not doing enough to ensure women's right to health. Leaders at Japan-Africa Gathering Should Speed Action to End Maternal Death, Reduce Poverty In Africa TOKYO, 26 May 2008 — UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has urged leaders gathering for the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) to commit to swifter action to end maternal death and promote women's rights, to speed up poverty reduction in Africa. TICAD IV will be held in Yokohama, Japan, from Wednesday to Friday. The Latest Fact Sheets on Family Planning around the World Disseminated Today UNFPA, New York, 14 May, 2008 — Today UNFPA disseminated the latest fact sheets Family Planning as the theme for World Population Day is "It's a right, let's make it real." Forty years ago, world leaders proclaimed that individuals have a basic human right to determine freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children. Forty years later, contraception and family planning information remain out of reach for hundreds of millions of women, men and young people. Unmet need is extreme among the poor and marginalized. Local Community Activist from Dang to Be Honoured With International Award for the Health and Dignity Of Women Presented by Americans For UNFPA Kathmandu, 12 May 2008 — Aasmani Chaudary a local community activist from Dang has been selected as one of the 2008 International Honorees for the Health and Dignity of Women, presented by Americans for UNFPA. She will be honored, along with Maria del Carmen Elu Cayado of Mexico and Mathilde Rabary from Madagascar at the Americans for UNFPA's Gala Event in New York City on October 7, 2008. The Gala will bring together 300-400 leaders in international affairs, business, women's health and philanthropy. The winners will be presented with grants of US $5,000 for their programs. Special reports produced with Nepal and India UNFPA Country Offices' support to be aired on CNN 9 May, 2008 — CNN World Report to broadcast 'Gender Discrimination in Nepal' Saturday on 10 May - 04:30A GMT / 12:30P Hong Kong / 01:30A Buenos Aires /15:30P Sydney / 00:30A EDT; 'Women's Participation in Nepal' and 'Embracing Girls in India' on Sunday on 11 May - 04:30A GMT / 12:30P Hong Kong / 01:30A Buenos Aires / 15:30P Sydney /00:30A EDT and on Monday, 12 May - 02:30 GMT / 10:30A (Monday) Hong Kong / 13:30P (Monday)Sydney / 22:30P EDT These special reports were produced by Bill Ryan and Marc Westhof together with the Nepal and India UNFPA Country Offices. UN Cares, the UN System-wide Workplace Programme's on HIV Official Launch New York, UN HQ, 6 May, 2008 — Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon joined with staff at UN headquarters officially launch UN Cares, the UN system-wide workplace programme on HIV. The Secretary-General has made UN Cares a priority, stating his determination "to make the UN a model of how the workplace should respond to HIV." At the launch, the Secretary-General announced an additional contribution to the UN Cares budget of $350,000. International Day of the Midwife - Message of Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director 5 May 2008 — Every day, midwives are saving women's lives by making delivery safe. Their essential care before, during and after delivery ensures that no woman dies giving life. When women are healthy, families are healthy. And when families are healthy, the well-being of communities and nations also improves. Today, on the International Day of the Midwife, UNFPA pays tribute to the work of midwives around the world and calls for increased investments to train and retain midwives where they are most needed. Together with partners, UNFPA is starting a new programme to promote midwifery around the world. UNFPA Recognizes the Importance of Free Media - World Press Freedom Day 3 May, 2008 Kathmandu — On the Occasion of World Press Freedom Day UNFPA Country Representative congratulated the Nepalese Media Persons for their courage and achievements. The letter sent to media institutions states: 'As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, UNFPA pays tribute to the Nepalese media for their persistent struggle to maintain impartiality and professionalism. We commend the Nepalese press for their work to highlight the importance of women's equal participation in the peace process. Naya Adhyaya- a New Chapter for Nepalese Women Street Drama for Women's Increased Participation in the Peace Process Kathmandu, 18 April, 2008 — A group of young pioneering artists - Sarwanam- with the street drama 'Naya Adhyaya'(New Chapter) is on tour thanks to UNFPA,UNIFEM and Women for Human Rights (WHR) project funded by the Danish Embassy in Kathmandu. The project aims to increase women's participation in the peace process through a series of street dramas and workshops in remote areas of Nepal, starting from Chandragodi in Jhapa on April 23. Workshops will focus on discussing key messages on women's participation, presented in the street drama, and on women's role in the ongoing Constituent Assembly process. The workshops are led by WHR, an organization which works for the empowerment of all women, but particularly widows and single women. New Film Series Takes On Culture of Silence on Violence against Women First Global Broadcast - Women on the Frontline - Presented By Annie Lennox UNITED NATIONS, Geneva, 17 April, 2008 — This is an unfortunate anniversary. Fourteen years ago, in April 1994, news got out that ethnic violence in Kigali was spreading throughout Rwanda. Since then, the world community has struggled to explain how the genocide of 800,000 people happened in full view, but less discussed is the ongoing impact of the rape and other forms of sexual violence committed against hundreds of thousands of women. Violence against women is the theme of Women on the Frontline, a series of seven films being broadcast for the first time tomorrow night by BBC World at 1930 GMT to about 300 million households to help peel away the silence surrounding the brutality of gender-based violence that crosses all borders. World Health Day Commemorated in Nepal Kathmandu, 7 April, 2008 — Today Ministry of Health and Population with support of World Health Organization marked World Health Day focusing on climate change and its effects on Human lives. Among the guest speakers was UNFPA Country representative Junko Sazaki who conveyed the message of UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid. UNFPA: Reproductive health problems are the leading cause of ill health among Nepalese women KATHMANDU, 28 March 2008 — UNFPA Nepal is concerned about the reproductive health (RH) situation and access to health and counselling services in the country. Care in remote districts was inadequate before civil war began and worsened during the decade of conflict. Reproductive health problems are the leading cause of ill health and death among Nepalese women of childbearing age. The country's maternal mortality ratio, 281 deaths per 100,000 live births, is one of the highest in South Asia. United Nations Women's Organisation's International Women's Day Celebration Kathmandu, 26 March, 2008 — United Nations Women's Organisations celebrated today International Women's Day by awarding four individuals for their contribution towards the betterment of women and children in the community in the categories of education, health, physically challenged and social development. Among the speakers invited to deliver their remarks were UNFPA Deputy Country Representative Ugochi Daniels. A documentary on Delivering Mobile Reproductive Health Outreach Services to Conflict Affected Populations, a project executed by UNFPA and funded by European Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) was shown to the members and participating guests, among them Australian Ambassador. Investing In Women Means Investing In Families, Communities, And Nations, Says UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid 8 March, 2008 — On the occasion of the International Women's Day UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid stated: 'It is good to invest in women and girls, and it pays to do so. This year, on International Women's Day, UNFPA reaffirms that investing in women and girls is one of the best investments governments can make. Investing in women means investing in families, communities, and nations. When women have resources, they tend to spend them on education and health for their children, who then face better employment and life prospects. In every region, increased women's participation and earnings result in reduced poverty and faster economic growth.' International Women's Day observed by United Nations in Nepal Kathmandu, 8 March, 2008 — Today United Nations in Nepal organized a function to mark International Women's Day. During the event Ms. Junko Sazaki, UNFPA Country Representative stated in her remarks that 'The reconciliation and strengthening of the peace are the crucial needs at the moment'. Promoting Women's Participation in Nepal through Street Drama Jhapa, 18 December, 2008 — In an effort to increase women's participation in the peace process and, specifically, in the upcoming constituent assembly, UNMIN and UNFPA completed today the first phase of promoting women's participation in Nepal through street drama performances by the pioneering theatre company, Sarwanam. The street drama performances were targeted at the grassroots level of Nepalese society, trying to emphasize the value of women's participation at the community level, the importance of their decision making at all levels and in all areas, and their valuable roles and responsibilities during the peace process. Information Kit and Cartoon Booklet on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 launched Kathmandu, 1st November, 2007 — Launch of UNSCR 1325 information kit and cartoon booklet. United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 was formally adopted in October, 2000. It examines the differential impact of conflict on women and men and promotes both women's participation and protection in the peace process. In order to simplify the content of the resolution and highlight its relevance for Nepal, an information kit for journalists was developed by UNFPA, with support from SAATHI. Similarly, on order to simplify the content of the resolution and emphasize the importance of women's participation in the Nepalese peace process, a cartoon booklet was developed for semi-literate grass roots audiences. April 26 2007 - Media drive against uterine prolapse begins [PDF, 72.6 KB] March 20 2007 - Underage marriage threaten maternal health [PDF, 96.8 KB] January 30 2007 - Reproductive Health: RHIYA Project Successful [PDF, 47.8 KB] January 13 2007 - UNFPA to Launch Special Programme in Six Districts [PDF, 33.2 KB] UN Events and Observances United Nations Office at Geneva | The Calendar UN Conferences and Events