As part of the 2023 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Voices to End FGM/C project has launched a podcast series. The initial episodes of this podcast series lay the groundwork for an exploration of some of the complex familial, cultural, and political contexts of FGM/C. Some episodes bring in guests who have acted in their capacity as partners, therapists, public health professionals, and elected officials to speak out against FGM/C.

In reponse to a need for an efficient and effective way to monitor routine screening for gender-based violence (GBV), D4I developed a report that highlights data collection and reporting practices related to GBV identification and response within family planning clinics and facilities that provide sexual and reproductive health services. This report describes facility-level data collection processes, identifies information gaps, and explores barriers and facilitators to collecting information on GBV identification and response.

In Yemen, the devastating repercussions of climate change, exacerbated by an eight-year-long war, have taken a severe toll. The impact is particularly pronounced for women, as the combination of insufficient access to food, water, and healthcare, coupled with heightened levels of stress and overexertion, poses significant risks to pregnancies and childbirth. This blog shares the story of Umm Mahra, a pregnant mother, shedding light on the hardships she and her family face and underscoring the urgent need for assistance in the country.

Among the internationally accepted global frameworks seeking to tackle violence against women and children, the central concepts of prevention and response have guided actions against both forms of violence. However, this approach falls short in crucial ways. The global Brave Movement, launched in 2022, builds on the work of survivor advocates and puts forward a new, comprehensive framework for action that encompasses prevention, healing, and justice.

Breakthrough ACTION developed the Gender Analysis Toolkit for Vaccine Response for risk communication and community engagement actors working with national health authorities and other partners to develop, implement, and monitor a vaccine response. This toolkit provides practical guidance to identify gender related barriers that need to be addressed and identify opportunities that can be leveraged to enable a gender equitable vaccine response that increases coverage for all.

This report highlights the impacts of the Deyr rainy season (occurring between October and December), which has begun in parts of Somalia, causing displacement, loss of life, and destruction. Women and children are disproportionately affected during times of flooding. Based on current statistics, the projected month-long flooding is expected to increase the number of miscarriages by up to 374 cases (in November alone), 57 stillbirths, and 499 pregnancy/newborn complications.