Has a female prime minister changed Tunisia?
Attitudes have changed since Najla Bouden became the first female prime minister in the Arab world.
Kenyan mothers choose between work and their babies
By Evelyne Musambi
BBC News, Nairobi
Nutritionist Sophy Saronge knew she should breastfeed her baby for six months but says she had to work.
Women employed as motorbike taxi drivers in Rwanda
Jean Claude Mwambutsa
BBC Great Lakes, Kigali
A project employing women to drive electric-powered motorcycle taxis is being launched in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.
Male drivers currently dominate the sector.
The first group of 120 women has just finished three months' training on riding as well as maintaining the new bikes.
The project both challenges people's perception of women and is hoping to improve the environment.
Ornella Uwobasa, who trained the women, says they want “to change the mentality” to show that women can do the job.
“We want to see women on the roads, and everyone to know that women can work on the road,” she tells the BBC.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The project, jointly owned by the city authorities and a private company, is aimed at employing poor women who are given motorbikes for free.
The city's vice-mayor, Martine Urujeni, said the project will cut carbon emissions and reduce unemployment.
“We focused on vulnerable women like single mothers - divorced and widows - because we want to improve their lives.”
Around 35,000 motorbike taxis are registered in Kigali but most are operated by men.
Rwanda encourages the use of electric motor vehicles but their numbers are still low, with only 150 registered so far this year.
Somali women are usually expected to cover up and keep quiet - beauty parlors are a welcome relief.
More than 100 Kenyan girls died from pregnancy last year
Grace Kuria
BBC News, Nairobi
In Kenya, 104 girls aged between 10 and 19 died as a result of pregnancy-related issues last year, according to figures just released by the country's health ministry.
This is a big increase from the previous year. In 2020, 31 girls died due to similar complications.
The reported deaths are mostly a result of unsafe abortions and the fact that some of the girls’ bodies are not developed enough to carry a foetus, hence they experience obstructed labour.
Acting Director of Medical Services Dr. Andrew Mulwa said that this rise should not necessarily be seen as an increase in cases of maternity deaths.
He said that as more pregnant girls are going to clinics for help, the deaths of those who unfortunately pass away are more likely to be recorded.
The all-girl band taking Benin by storm
Video caption: The girl band teaching Benin about women's rights girl band teaching Benin about women's rights
Benin-based group Star Feminine Band is making music to spread awareness of the rights of women and girls.
What price are women and girls paying for water?
Video caption: Sex for Water in Kenya: What price are women and girls paying?Sex for Water in Kenya: What price are women and girls paying?
Women and girls are exposed to sexual violence as private vendors control the water supply in Kenya.
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UN Aids head tells of sexual assault ordeal
I was shocked, I was 18... This was an attempted rape," Winnie Byanyima tells the BBC.
Posted at 18:03 25 Mar18:03 25 Mar
Boyfriend ordered pregnant woman's shocking murder
By Pumza Fihlani
BBC News, Johannesburg
Tshegofatso Pule was found hanging from a tree, provoking outrage across South Africa.
Boyfriend of pregnant SA woman found guilty of murder
Pumza Fihlani
BBC News, Johannesburg
@KEBA99Copyright: @KEBA99
Tshegofatso Pule was eight months pregnant when she was murdered mage caption: Tshegofatso Pule was eight months pregnant when she was murdered
The estranged boyfriend of a South African woman, whose murder galvanized protests against violence against women in the country, has been found guilty of arranging her killing.
Tshegofatso Pule was eight months pregnant, expecting her first child when she was killed.
The 28-year-old was found hanging from a tree on the outskirts of Johannesburg in June 2020, with a gunshot wound to her chest.
The court heard that Ntuthuko Shoba, a foreign-exchange dealer, had hired someone to lure her to a meeting point.
That person was Muzikayise Malephane, who confessed to killing her and is serving a 20-year sentence.
He became a state witness and implicated Shoba as the mastermind.
In his testimony, Malephane told the court that Shoba wanted Ms. Pule killed to keep his wife from finding out about the pregnancy.
The court heard it was Shoba’s second attempt on Ms. Pule’s life.
He is due to be sentenced in early May
Liberia wants mothers to breastfeed for six months
Grace Kuria
BBC News
AFPCopyright: AFP
Exclusive breastfeeding for babies under six months is still low in Liberia, according to the UNImage caption: Exclusive breastfeeding for babies under six months is still low in Liberia, according to the UN
Liberia’s House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill requiring mothers to breastfeed their children for at least six months.
The bill also seeks to regulate the marketing of substitutes for breast milk to avoid the import and sale of substances that might affect infants and young children.
MPs said the bill was designed to “nurture a strong relationship between a mother and child,” according to the Liberian Observer website.
The bill was pushed by Rivercess Country District Representative Byron Zahwea.
It needs to be passed by the Senate before it becomes law.
In 2020, Unicef reported that five out of every 10 babies in Liberia receive plain water, other liquids, and foods in addition to breastmilk during their first six months of life, contributing to child malnutrition, illnesses, and even death.
The report said that it costs Liberia $200,000 (£152,000) annually to treat children with diarrhea and pneumonia and type II diabetes in mothers that visit health facilities due to inadequate breastfeeding.
The World Health Organization and Unicef recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.