As Zimbabwe embarks on writing a new constitution with the countrywide collection of public submissions starting on Jun. 23, not all women are upbeat about the process.

While some gender activists see this public comment phase as an opportunity for their voices to be heard, ordinary women remain in the dark about the proposed new constitution and what exactly they are supposed to contribute.

During the panel discussion, the participants talked about the gaps that currently exist between men and women in politics, the various reasons for them—from culture and tradition to lack of help with childrearing, and the societal ramifications of lacking women in politics.

On June 30th the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held a special policy dialogue on “The role of women in countries in special situations.” MADRE representatives attended this dialogue and talked with State members as well as experts on the critical issues, including sexual violence women in Haiti face and the legal obligation to have their voices included in decision-making processes.

The Women Leaders Intercultural Forum of Realizing Rights supported Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Tarja Halonen of Finland in co-convening an event on "Peace and Security through Women's Leadership: Acting on 1325 and Climate Change" during the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 24 September.

Endemic Fighting in Papua New Guinea

Melanne Verveer
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues

It is a wonderful pleasure for me to be back in Ukraine. This country has always had a special place in my heart. I bring greetings from Secretary Clinton, who will be traveling to Ukraine herself very soon.

Women activists have launched a hotline for monitoring poll violence and malpractice ahead of next year's general elections.

The hotline will use short messaging service that will be directed to a central point where the queries will be handled and forwarded to the authorities.

A high profile meeting held between Sudanese women and top United Nations leaders over the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1325 on women peace and security could set a new agenda for women, Sudan Tribune has learnt.

Yesterday marked the beginning of a ten-day workshop held in El Fasher, North Darfur, by UNAMID's Human Rights component to increase the capacity of police officers in investigating violent crimes against women.

The event was organized with support from the Swiss Government's Fund Project to implement recommendations by the UN Group of Experts on Darfur.

August marks Abdullah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud's fifth year as king of Saudi Arabia, a good moment to assess reforms in the area of human rights. Saudis are somewhat freer today, and many credit the king. Saudi writers have won regional awards this year, and the diversity of Saudi society is on display, thanks to the growth of electronic media. Yet this freedom remains strictly limited.