UNDP raises $60m for food aid in drought hit Zimbabwe

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has on Thursday in Harare raised 60 million dollars for food aid in Zimbabwe, with a promise to feed 1 million people as the country faces its worst drought in a quarter century.

Why South African mayor offers virgin scholarships

A scheme which offers female students scholarships to girls in rural South Africa if they can prove they are virgins has been condemned by human rights groups.

Thubelihle Dlodlo is nervous about leaving home in Emcitsheni village in rural KwaZulu-Natal.

Ban to UN member states: urgently ratify UN conventions against trafficking in women

UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has urged member states to urgently ratify and fully implement the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its protocols and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

UNFPA partners FG to end FGM/C in 40 communities

The United Nations Fund for Population (UNFPA) says it is partnering the Federal Government through a special response programme to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in Nigeria.

Mrs Nkiru Igbokwe, the UNFPA Gender Specialist, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Aisha Buhari calls for campaign against female genital mutilation

The Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has called on relevant stakeholders to create awareness on the health implications of female genital mutilation in the country.

Mrs Buhari was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, at the launch of joint UNFPA/UNICEF to support programme to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the country.

Aisha said that FGM was a harmful practice that had negative, social and economic consequences in the lives of the effected women and girls.

68-year-old woman completes Lagos marathon

A sexagenarian, Abiola Oshodi-Adeniyibada, who not only participated in, but completed the 42km Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday has commended the sponsors and organisers of the event.

Oshodi-Adeniyibada, 68, told the News Agency of Nigeria at the Teslim Balogun Stadium starting point of the race that her aim was to reach the finishing point.

Ajimobi’s wife calls for strict enforcement of VAPP Act

The Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, has advocated strict enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP), Act, 2015.

Mrs Ajimobi stated this on Saturday in Ibadan at an event to commemorate the international day of zero tolerance for female genital mutilation.‎