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Articles by Lydia Zigomo
Africa: Online Abuse Is Real Violence - - and Africa's Women and Girls Are Paying the Price Original
- New estimates show that violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world - and that one of its fastest-growing frontiers is the digital space. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence includes online harassment, cyberstalking, image-based abuse, deepfake exploitation and coordinated digital attacks, and all of these are proliferating.
Online abuse is real violence - and Africa’s women and girls are paying the price
New estimates show that violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world – and that one of its fastest-growing frontiers is the digital space. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence includes online harassment, cyberstalking, image-based abuse, deepfake exploitation and coordinated digital attacks, and all of these are proliferating.
OPINION | Funding cuts put women, children's health under threat
Princess Chitsuro has transformed her life. Born with HIV, she only learnt her status as a young adult. Overcome with shock and fear, she initially distanced herself from everyone – friends, community, even her future. But denial only lasts so long. When she became pregnant, Chitsuro was unaware she could prevent transmitting HIV to her unborn child. She learnt that she could after joining a mentorship programme for young mothers.
Africa wins when we prioritise women’s health; here’s how
Princess Chitsuro has transformed her life. Born with HIV, she only learned her status as a young adult. Overcome with shock and fear, she initially distanced herself from everyone—friends, community, even her own future. But denial only lasts so long. When she became pregnant, Princess was unaware that she could prevent transmitting HIV to her unborn child. She learned that she could, after joining a mentorship programme for young mothers.
Healthy Women, Stronger Nations: Africa must prioritise her daughters – here’s how
Namibia and Botswana, for example, recently received ‘Bronze’ and ‘Silver’ Tiers certifications for being on the path to eliminating vertical transmission of HIV from a mother to her child. Princess Chitsuro has transformed her life. Born with HIV, she only learned her status as a young adult. Overcome with shock and fear, she initially distanced herself from everyone – friends, community, even her own future. But denial only lasts so long.
Heroes help turn the tide on gender-based violence in East and Southern Africa
Janeth, a nurse in Tanzania, sees the toll of gender-based violence every day. Caroline, an advocate in Malawi, educates her peers about abuse, hoping to break the cycle. Eric, a peer educator in Uganda, works to improve HIV care in his community. These are the faces of resilience, working against the odds to build a better future for East and Southern Africa When it comes to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Eastern and Southern Africa, the numbers are stark.
From policy to practice: Turning the tide on gender-based violence in east and southern Africa
JANETH, a nurse in Tanzania, sees the toll of gender-based violence everyday. Caroline, a young advocate in Malawi, educates her peers about abuse, hoping to break the cycle. Eric, a peer educator in Uganda, works tirelessly to improve HIV care in his community. These are the faces of resilience, working against the odd to build a better future for east and southern Africa. When it comes to sexual and reproductive health rights in eastern and southern Africa, the numbers are stark.
LGBTQ+ rights and health in eastern and southern Africa
BEYOND THE RAINBOW OP-ED Africa Pride Month – marking 35 years of celebrating diverse identities on the continent and a moment to reflect on the progress made and the continuous threats towards securing rights, health and choices for all. While vibrant parades and joyous gatherings dominate in many parts of the world, the reality for many of Africa’s LGBTQ+ community remains one of inequality.
Op-Ed: Beyond the Rainbow: LGBTQ+ Rights and Health in Eastern and Southern Africa
A joint thought piece by Regional Directors for east and Southern Africa, Anne Githuku-Shongwe, UNAIDS and Lydia Zigomo, UNFPA. October is Africa Pride Month – marking 35 years of celebrating diverse identities on the continent and a moment to reflect on the progress made and the continuous threats towards securing rights, health and choices for all.
Africa: Embracing Resilience - a Call to Action for Women and Girls in Small Island Developing States
"Woman is the thread. A woman is the needle. She is the weaver of family and society." This wisdom reminds us of our interconnectedness, from each woman's family to the human family. The inspiring words of our Executive Director, and the results of the 2024 State of World Population Report critically remind us of the complex human capital challenges women and young people in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face.
Voices | Beyond Pride: LGBTQ+ rights and health in Eastern and Southern Africa
Scene from Cape Town Pride VOICES June is International Pride Month, a global celebration of diverse identities and a moment to reflect on the progress made and the continuous threats towards securing rights, health and choices for all. While vibrant parades and joyous gatherings dominate in many parts of the world, the reality for many of Africa's LGBTQ+ community remains one of inequality. South Africans need to be in the know if we want to create a prosperous future.
Africa: Celebrating the Spirit of Youth
In the heart of Malawi, with the backdrop of the vibrant colors of the landscape and the warm smiles of its people, there exists a tale of courage, resilience, and hope that resonates deeply with the essence of the African child. It's a tale woven by the hands of Catherine, a spirited 13-year-old who dared to defy the odds stacked against her in a society where child marriage loomed like a shadow over young girls' futures. Catherine embodies the spirit of the African child.
Africa: Igniting the Potential of Adolescent Girls in Pursuit of the Africa We Want
For over 30 years, I have traveled extensively across the diverse landscapes of East and Southern Africa, the region closest to my heart, and experiencing the stunning cultures, varied economies, and breathtaking geography of the region, and meeting our young people brimming with potential. With almost half the population under 18, a significant youth demographic is emerging, the largest in the region's history.
Africa: Long Road in a Short Time - Ending FGM Calls for Immediate Action
"A woman is a full circle; within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform." This African saying celebrates the multifaceted strength of women, recognizing their capabilities not only to give life but also to cultivate and change the world around them. The proverb reminds me of Nia, a courageous female genital mutilation (FGM) survivor from Tanzania, whose journey epitomizes the essence of this adage.
Southern Africa: Raising Our Hands Together - Toward an Aids-Free Future
The young girls and boys raised their arms and stomped their feet during the opening of the 22nd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (ICASA), their energy and hope blending with reflection and determination. As a Zimbabwean who witnessed the scourge brought about by AIDS on families, communities, and countries, I am humbled by the strides we have made but conscious of the hurdles we must overcome.
Africa: The Power of Gender Equality in Creating a World of Infinite Possibilities
World Population Day, 11 July Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world's infinite possibilities In an unequal and diverse world of over 8 billion people, we continue to traverse our differences on the same vision--achieving rights and justice for all. We are increasingly coming together to shape a just, resilient and sustainable world, with gender equality at the heart of it all.
The power of gender equality in creating a world of infinite possibilities
In an unequal and diverse world of more than eight billion people, we continue to traverse our differences on the same vision – achieving rights and justice for all. We are increasingly coming together to shape a just, resilient and sustainable world, with gender equality at the heart of it all. Today, on World Population Day, we recognise the power of gender equality in unlocking our world's infinite possibilities.
WORLD POPULATION DAY OP-ED: The power of gender equality in creating a world of infinite possibilities
WORLD POPULATION DAY OP-ED Through harnessing the power of half the planet’s population, we can confront the pressing problems of our time. In an unequal and diverse world of more than eight billion people, we continue to traverse our differences on the same vision – achieving rights and justice for all. We are increasingly coming together to shape a just, resilient and sustainable world, with gender equality at the heart of it all.
Southern Africa: New Hope for Reducing Cervical Cancer Deaths in East and Southern Africa
Southern Africa: New Hope for Reducing Cervical Cancer Deaths in East and Southern Africa blog By Lydia Zigomo, UNFPA Regional Director A poignant story about a woman from Malawi this week resonates deeply with me. At the age of 40, Mary went for cervical cancer screening and tested positive. Because the cancer had spread to her uterus, her only option was a hysterectomy. But Mary had been trying for 10 years to start a family.
FIGHT FOR BODILY AUTONOMY OP-ED: The road to ending female genital mutilation must be paved in partnership with men and boys
FIGHT FOR BODILY AUTONOMY OP-ED If boys continue to be raised in the expectation that they will marry girls who have been cut, this serves to consistently reinforce the practice. It is imperative that we strengthen partnerships with men and boys. Many women who have endured female genital mutilation (FGM) face severe complications in childbirth.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD, 11 OCTOBER: Adolescent girls in eastern and southern Africa face increased adversity
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD, 11 OCTOBER All sectors of society and all parts of government need to mount a coherent and coordinated approach to support girls to reach their potential. Together, we must elevate the social value of the girl child in all families, communities and countries. It is time for us to stand with and for girls, be accountable to them and invest in a future that affirms their agency, leadership and potential.
Southern Africa: News From East and Southern Africa - July to August 2022
As I assumed my Regional Director role in UNFPA East and Southern Africa, I am marching steadfastly with you in creating a better world for women and young people. This newsletter is a microcosm of the thousands of hours our colleagues and partners dedicated to ending unintended pregnancies, and promoting comprehensive sexuality education and responsive sexual reproductive health and rights services in the region. This newsletter also showcases the growing urgency of a changing world.
Equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines in Africa: A long road ahead
History must not repeat itself — unless everyone has access to these vaccines, no one will be safe By Lydia Zigomo and Martin Namasaka Africa and Africans have reason to worry. Since the outbreak, there are over 3.7 million recorded cases and over 99,000 deaths as of 17th February 2021 according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
ZIGOMO: Don’t squander South Sudan’s hope
The hope and optimism of the people I met has struck me. I have been struck by the enormity of the task that faces the unity government to win back the trust and confidence of the people, who feel let down by them, to rise above self-interest and take on the nation-building transformative agenda. In my view, this is where the job starts. Salma is not alone in her scepticism.
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