2010 to 2020 has been adopted by the African Union as the African Women's Decade. On Saturday, women from around the world met in London to celebrate African Women's Day.

About 100 women from Britain and Africa came together to pay tribute to the progress made for women's rights in Africa during recent years.

Former Deputy Health Minister Faizullah Kakar recently completed a study (published in Dari) indicating that rising numbers of women and girls aged 15-40 are attempting suicide in Afghanistan. His findings were presented at a news conference in Kabul on 31 July.

A group of female Congolese journalists last month took part in a week-long training session in Goma aimed at teaching them the skills they need to contribute to IWPR's Face à la Justice radio programme, which is about to be relaunched.

Each year, on 7 April, Mozambicans celebrate the national Woman's Day and honour the gallant fighter Josina Machel, who died on 7 April 1970 in armed combat fighting Portuguese oppression. It is a day to celebrate women's achievements in Mozambique and reflect on their fight for equal rights - but this year, there is little to celebrate.

A survey conducted by American scientists among the population of eastern Congo challenges the traditional image of sexual violence as perpetrated by men against women – but NGOs assisting rape survivors urge caution in interpreting the study's gender findings.

The picturesque northeastern state of Manipur known for living with violence and unrest was once again in the news these last few months. The proposed visit of the Naga nationalist leader Thuingaleng Muivah to his home in the Ukhrul district of Manipur after four decades in early May this year was strongly opposed by the state government.

Within the framework of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa, the African Union (AU) in partnership with UNIFEM (part of UN Women) presented a photo exhibition during the 15th AU Summit in Kampala, Uganda.

Amnesty International has condemned the statement on violence against women in today's Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting communiqué as weak and disappointing.

Pacific Islands Forum leaders made a pledge one year ago to “eradicate sexual and gender-based violence,” but since then have done very little to address the epidemic.

Time magazine's moving portrayal of the plight of Afghanistan's women is a tribute to their heroism and silent suffering. However, the poignant images and story fail to reflect the determined achievements of a women's movement that has battled cultural and Islamist misogyny. They deserve more from the West.