Since democracy was restored two decades ago, Chile has worked hard to progress in areas as essential as the reestablishement of the rule of law, the protection of human rights and the consolidation of freedom, stability and governance as well as economic growth, social progress and freedom of the press.

Championing the emancipation of Afghan women is emerging as a possible non-military, post-combat role for Canada as politicians and activists debate the future of the costly mission in Afghanistan.

South Africans were outraged to hear that a grade eight learner was allegedly drugged and gang raped while her classmates stood around and filmed it on their cellphones -- and that the police delayed the arrest of the boys because they didn't want to disrupt their exams. But gender-based violence is endemic to South African schools and has been for many years.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba is disappointed with the under-representation of women on his party list for the upcoming elections.

Addressing a Swapo Party rally recently in Oshakati, Pohamba said the party needs to improve on the nomination of women candidates at local authorities and constituency levels in order to create a balan-ce between men and women candidates.

More than 100 women and men gathered on 11 and 12 November 2010 in Tallinn, Estonia, to discuss the implications of United Nations Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325) for Afghanistan. Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet opened the conference that his ministry co-organized with the Estonian Atlantic Treaty Association, stressing the importance his government attaches to UNSCR 1325.

A regional workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the protection of civilians was held in Jakarta on 8-9 November 2010, co-hosted by the Foreign Ministries of Indonesia and Norway. The workshop was well attended, with participants from 12 countries in the region, the International Commitee of the Redd Cross (ICRC), military, academics, NGOs and national human rights institutions.

Last week's election victory by the junta-backed party in Burma is a setback for Charm Tong's work against military rape in the country, also known as Myanmar. Tong says that like her idol Aung San Suu Kyi, she will keep working.

NEW DELHI, India (WOMENSENEWS)-- The victory of the junta-backed party in the Nov. 7 elections for Burma--which the military government calls Myanmar--comes as no surprise to Charm Tong.

Ministers and parliamentarians from 19 countries in Asia-Pacific have agreed on 'Whole-of-Government Approaches' for the promotion and advancement of actions and legislation on the elimination of violence against women.

Massawa — Endeavors to promote active female participation in education in Northern Red Sea region need to be stepped up in rural areas, according to Mr. Tesfai Tekle, director general of social services in the region.

He particularly made reference to low female participation in the sub-zones of Karora, Dahlak, Foro, Gelalo and Adobha that requires special attention