Latest news with #SimaBahous
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Gaza bleeds, humanity fails
The writer is an educationist based in Larkana. She can be reached at sairasamo88@ Listen to article If anyone kills a person, it is as if he has killed all of mankind; and whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved all of mankind. Qur'an [5:32] Considering the second line of the above verse, it feels that we, as humans, are also the killers of humanity. In Islam, there is no difference between committing and witnessing cruelty. One becomes an accomplice when he does not take action against the oppressors; hence, he is also called an oppressor if wrongdoing occurs in his presence. Fifty-seven Muslim countries are not too few to unite for justice. As a Muslim Ummah, it is an obligation to protect humanity from the perspective of justice and rights. Among all Muslim countries, one is bleeding while the rest are watching videos, clips and news about how many have been killed. Yes, it is Gaza. We have been watching and reading news of genocide. Is it Gaza, or a forgotten piece of land of humanity that absorbs blood like water and plants fingers, hands, feet, and arms, amputated limbs, in the rubble? On humanitarian grounds, this cruelty must be condemned. As human beings, we can play a role by standing with the truth, but today, that truth remains hidden in our hearts — like a sorrowful episode that feels inescapable. For the past 20 months, Gaza has become an experimental laboratory for shedding blood and killing humanity, a genocide on a large scale, with the death toll surpassing 54,000, including children, men and women. Thousands have been killed, their limbs left lifeless, broken easily by the Israeli military. Now, their only shelter is the earth, and the sky their roof. An acute shortage of basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing has made survival nearly impossible. Even serving them with food has faced barriers. Trucks filled with aid have been blocked at the border. According to Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, tons of food is blocked at the border while people are starving in Gaza. Tragically, women and children have suffered the most in this long and brutal war. Their very survival is threatened by relentless starvation and forced displacement. Due to malnutrition, babies are now being born with abnormalities, and premature births have become common. UN reports state that one in ten babies is underweight or premature. Miscarriages, stillbirths and abnormalities are increasing rapidly due to a lack of medical supplies — including painkillers and basic hygiene products -— caused by the ongoing blockade. According to the Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, "Violence leaves scars not on the body but on the mind. Mental health is not a luxury. It is life-saving." She adds, "In Gaza, 75% of women suffer from depression. Girls say they wish they were dead." This endless war has snatched away loved ones from these girls and women, many of them killed in bombings or dragged roughly by soldiers, leaving deep scars on their mental and physical health. "I was torn into a thousand pieces to the extent that I wanted to scream to the whole world, saying: 'Save my daughter from death, save her!'" says Aya, a victim of Gaza. Although the war shows no signs of ceasing, real solutions will only come if the superpowers, the UN and the OIC take serious and honest action. Instead, the US continues to defend Israel in the name of regional security, while the situation on the ground tells a different story. Post-Iran attack, Israel has witnessed retaliatory actions aimed at rebalancing power. Resilient in its response, Iran launched missiles in defence. Statements alone will never solve the ongoing genocide. True commitment to the cause of Palestine matters now more than ever. To prevent further mental and physical suffering, the Muslim Ummah must assemble and stand firm for Gaza. Now, it must be humanity first.
Kuwait Times
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait, UN Women discuss women's role in peace negotiations
NEW YORK: Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah meets with Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. — KUNA NEW YORK: Kuwait's Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, met Friday with Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, to discuss strengthening cooperation in promoting gender equality. Held on the sidelines of the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the meeting emphasized the critical need for women's inclusion in peace negotiations and decision-making processes. Both sides underscored the urgent need for women to be active participants at the negotiating table, particularly in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and humanitarian aid distribution. Their remarks echoed recent appeals at the UN Security Council's open debate on women, peace and security, where global leaders, including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, warned of the continued underrepresentation of women in peace processes. Between 1992 and 2019, women made up only 13 percent of negotiators and 6 percent of mediators in major peace efforts, despite evidence that their participation leads to more sustainable and inclusive agreements. Sheikha Jawaher reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to international efforts that push for women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in political and public life. Bahous welcomed Kuwait's continued progress in women's empowerment, highlighting the country's advanced legislative reforms and describing Kuwait as a regional leader in promoting women's rights. — Agencies
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
‘A Silent Crisis': Obstetric Fistula Affects 500,000 Women, Yet It's Fully Treatable
Five days that is how long it took Dah, a 14-year-old prospective mother from Cte dIvoire, to give birth. The child was stillborn and she developed obstetric fistula. 16 years – that is how long Dah had to live with the agonising condition, undergoing eight different surgical procedures before finally getting the fistula repaired. In recognition of the over 500,000 women like Dah who are forced to endure what is a highly treatable condition, the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is being marked on Friday. Obstetric fistula is a medical condition which refers to the development of a small hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to leaking urine or faeces. This year's theme, 'Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula' will seek to make progress towards the goal of eliminating fistula by 2030. Women's bodies become battlegrounds — not only through sexual violence but through deliberate denial of reproductive rights and health – Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women 'Women's bodies become battlegrounds — not only through sexual violence but through the deliberate denial of reproductive rights and health services' said Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. 'A silent crisis' It is often brought on by prolonged or difficult childbirth. Most of the half million women suffering the condition live in the Global South. Many women who have a fistula experience social isolation and exclusion brought on by leaking urine or faeces. This, in turn, can lead to depression and exacerbated poverty. Kambiré, a small business owner who lives in Bouna, lived with obstetric fistula for 23 years. She even had another child before getting medical assistance. 'I preferred to isolate myself because of the fistula,' she said. 'I couldn't sit for long for fear of getting wet.' She only learned that it was treatable when listening to a radio show, inspiring her to go to a UN sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA)-supported hospital for treatment. Now, she owns a small pot-making business. Entirely preventable and treatable UNFPA set the goal of elimination by 2030 – which seems doable given that, as a medical condition, it is both completely preventable and fully treatable. Between 2003 and 2024, UNFPA supported nearly 150,000 surgical fistula repairs, 4,400 of which alone happened in Côte d'Ivoire for women like Dah and Kambiré. Catherine, a mother of two in Bouna, also received medical assistance from a UNFPA-supported hospital. 'Now that I'm healthy, I'm happy. I can run my business and spend time with my friends,' she said. Nevertheless, obstetric fistula has remained stubbornly persistent throughout the world due to disparities in global health systems. UNFPA says that midwives are key to preventing fistula, and other childbirth injuries. However, there is a global shortage of over 900,000 midwives, 500,000 of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Reproductive health education and empowerment are similarly essential to addressing and preventing obstetric fistula. 'The most effective shield we can offer women and girls is their own power, voice and leadership,' Ms. Bahous said. Networks of solidarity After Dah received successful treatment for her obstetric fistula, she, like Kambiré, began a seasonal food business through which she prepares and sells produce. She has also banded together with other fistula survivors from Bouna to enhance community awareness and reduce stigma. 'When women lead, they protect not only themselves but their families and communities … The impact is transformative,' Ms. Bahous said.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
‘A Silent Crisis': Obstetric Fistula Affects 500,000 Women, Yet It's Fully Treatable
16 years – that is how long Dah had to live with the agonising condition, undergoing eight different surgical procedures before finally getting the fistula repaired. In recognition of the over 500,000 women like Dah who are forced to endure what is a highly treatable condition, the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is being marked on Friday. Obstetric fistula is a medical condition which refers to the development of a small hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to leaking urine or faeces. This year's theme, 'Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula' will seek to make progress towards the goal of eliminating fistula by 2030. Women's bodies become battlegrounds — not only through sexual violence but through deliberate denial of reproductive rights and health – Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women 'Women's bodies become battlegrounds — not only through sexual violence but through the deliberate denial of reproductive rights and health services' said Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. 'A silent crisis' It is often brought on by prolonged or difficult childbirth. Most of the half million women suffering the condition live in the Global South. Many women who have a fistula experience social isolation and exclusion brought on by leaking urine or faeces. This, in turn, can lead to depression and exacerbated poverty. Kambiré, a small business owner who lives in Bouna, lived with obstetric fistula for 23 years. She even had another child before getting medical assistance. 'I preferred to isolate myself because of the fistula,' she said. 'I couldn't sit for long for fear of getting wet.' She only learned that it was treatable when listening to a radio show, inspiring her to go to a UN sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA)-supported hospital for treatment. Now, she owns a small pot-making business. Entirely preventable and treatable UNFPA set the goal of elimination by 2030 - which seems doable given that, as a medical condition, it is both completely preventable and fully treatable. Between 2003 and 2024, UNFPA supported nearly 150,000 surgical fistula repairs, 4,400 of which alone happened in Côte d'Ivoire for women like Dah and Kambiré. Catherine, a mother of two in Bouna, also received medical assistance from a UNFPA-supported hospital. 'Now that I'm healthy, I'm happy. I can run my business and spend time with my friends,' she said. Nevertheless, obstetric fistula has remained stubbornly persistent throughout the world due to disparities in global health systems. UNFPA says that midwives are key to preventing fistula, and other childbirth injuries. However, there is a global shortage of over 900,000 midwives, 500,000 of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Reproductive health education and empowerment are similarly essential to addressing and preventing obstetric fistula. 'The most effective shield we can offer women and girls is their own power, voice and leadership,' Ms. Bahous said. Networks of solidarity After Dah received successful treatment for her obstetric fistula, she, like Kambiré, began a seasonal food business through which she prepares and sells produce. She has also banded together with other fistula survivors from Bouna to enhance community awareness and reduce stigma. 'When women lead, they protect not only themselves but their families and communities … The impact is transformative,' Ms. Bahous said.
See - Sada Elbalad
21-03-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
OIC, UN Women Sign New MoU
Mohamed Mandour The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing women's rights and gender equality through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN Headquarters in New York. Ambassador Hameed A. Opeloyeru, the Permanent Observer of the OIC to the United Nations, signed the MoU on behalf of the OIC, while Dr. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, represented her organization. In his remarks, Ambassador Opeloyeru emphasized the significance of the renewed collaboration between the two institutions. "Today's event is yet another milestone in the inter-institutional cooperation between the OIC and UN Women. It is clear evidence of our shared commitment to the advancement of women's rights and welfare, in alignment with the goals of both organizations," he stated. He further highlighted OIC's recent initiatives, including the establishment of the Women Development Organization (WDO) headquartered in Cairo and the successful convening of the International Conference on Women in Islam in Jeddah in 2023. These efforts reflect the OIC's dedication to promoting women's economic participation, leadership, and protection against gender-based challenges. Dr. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, welcomed the MoU as a crucial step toward ensuring lasting progress in women's empowerment and their full participation in all aspects of society worldwide. " The partnership between UN Women and the OIC is built on a shared vision of empowering women in all aspects of life. This renewed agreement provides a robust framework for strategic initiatives that will drive tangible change, particularly in economic empowerment, leadership opportunities, and protection of women's rights within OIC member states and beyond," she stated. She also praised OIC's efforts in advancing the status of women in the Islamic world and reiterated UN Women's commitment to supporting these initiatives through expertise, resources, and advocacy. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) News Ireland Replaces Former Israeli Embassy with Palestinian Museum News Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
