Agency advancing gender equality in the UN system
Eastern Congo faces one of the fastest Ebola outbreaks on record. The Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment. Health workers describe chronic PPE shortages and rising infections. Women, who are the primary caregivers at home, face heightened risk and fear as frontline staff struggle to manage the outbreak.
Across Sudan, fighting between the army and RSF continues to disrupt aid, with El-Obeid and Darfur seeing sieges and drone strikes. Civilians suffer from hunger, water scarcity, disease, and sexual violence, while the UN and human rights groups push for ceasefire and humanitarian access.
On National Women’s Day, South Africa reflects on gains in representation since 1956 while acknowledging persistent gender-based violence, poverty and unequal access to services. Commemoration notes progress in Parliament and leadership, but critics warn that economic security for most women remains elusive.
UNESCO and UN Women warn five years into Taliban rule that bans on secondary and higher education for girls and women have intensified, erasing two decades of progress and threatening Afghanistan’s social and economic future. The UN calls for immediate restoration of education rights as thousands remain barred from schooling.
The Taliban’s return to power has reached five years as Kabul marks the anniversary with ceremonies and crackdowns. While security has improved and some infrastructure projects advance, women face sweeping restrictions, humanitarian needs rise, and international recognition remains limited. Attacks against officials persist, while aid workers face detentions amid a fragile economy.