Maternal Death Rate in India Amongst Highest in the World

Every year, about 78,000 mothers die in childbirth and from complications of pregnancy in India, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Largely due to lack of qualified medical experts, be them midwives, doctors, or nurses, impoverished women in rural India are suffering and dying everyday. Lack of education is also a crucial component to this disturbing statistic. The average age of mothers in India is 17 years of age- and the majority of these mothers have had no formal education concerning reproduction. Lack of nutrients and anemia are also important factors contributing to the maternal death rate.

Finding Solace in Afghanistan

Terrible violence against women in Afghanistan has spurred the launch of safe houses and shelters across the country. Victims of violent rapes and domestic abuse are typically shunned by their family members, leaving victims with no where to turn.

The organization Women for Afghan Women, based out of Flushing, Queens has put forth a massive effort since early 2001 to provide loving care to those seeking refuge from domestic violence.

Esther Hyneman, a board member for the organization will be meeting with our Foundation next week. To learn more about Women for Afghan Women, click here.

New Article of Note

Indian Women Find New Peace in Rail Commute

Progress at the UN

The UN announced last week that it will merge the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the Division for the Advancement of Women, the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and the UN International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW) into a singular agency focused on the advancement of women worldwide. This agency was born as a result of a massive UN internal restructuring effort, spurred by General Assembly President Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann. Hopefully this will translate into a more efficient model of global improvement. We look forward to following the work of the new agency as their projects progress.

Fatal Promises Premeires Tonight!

Kudos to Kat Rohrer, a young indie film producer who will premiere her first feature length film tonight at The School of Visual Arts in New York City. The documentary, entitled “Fatal Promises” exposes human trafficking and is set predominately in the Ukraine. Kat first became passionate about sex trafficking when she came across an article in The New York Times in 2005. Upon further research, she discovered that politicians worldwide failed to address the issue effectively. The lack of action inspired Kat to take matters into her own hands – read an interview with her here.

News Article of Note

Yemeni girl, 12, dies in painful childbirth

Women in the Workplace: 2009

For the first time in Canadian history, women outnumber men in the workplace - a testament to the both the progress of the women's movement in Canada as well as the fragility of the world economy.  As more and more men are pushed out of the job, women are forced to face some cold hard facts about the current recession: not only must they continue to manage their households as efficiently as financially possible, but also come to grips with the reality of being the sole breadwinners for their families. The problem is not uniquely Canadian, as NY Times Editor Jill Abramson pointed out recently in conversation-  one of the most pressing problems of American women today is the juggling act of providing for their families while still remaining emotionally available for her husband and children.  

 You can read more about the changes in Canada here.