Nothing about us without us—a Women's Day story

United Nations Volunteers
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The theme of International Women's Day centers on For ALL Women where inclusivity and equality are championed, ensuring that every woman's voice is heard and valued. To mark International Women's Day, we bring you a story from Lao People's Democratic Republic where Seevue Xaykia serves as an Inclusion Specialist with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She is the first UN Volunteer from the Hmong community.

“As a Hmong woman with a physical disability, meaningful participation has been one of my major barriers,” Seevue says. She supports the UNDP Disability Inclusion portfolio in its work with the Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, and actively promotes raising awareness on leaving no one behind.

Reducing inequalities through volunteerism

United Nations Volunteers
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Armaan Khan is an Irish national and serves as a fully funded UN Volunteer to improve the justice system and promote fair governance with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LAO PDR). His volunteer assignment with UNDP’s Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights Unit focuses on strengthening the justice sector and supporting persons with disabilities. On the World Day of Social Justice, UNV spotlights Armaan's role as a Rule of Law and Access to Justice Officer.

The broader goal of sustainable development, with justice and inclusivity as its central pillars, is deeply cherished by Armaan. His daily routine includes enhancing case management processes in courts nationwide. His work directly links to Sustainable Development Goal 16—Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions ensuring that legal proceedings are more transparent, efficient, and accessible.

"To all women out there, don't give up"

United Nations Volunteers
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Anabel Orbe is a clinical psychologist with an academic background in gender and human rights. Her work with the displaced population in Ecuador led her to pursue a volunteer assignment with UNV. It was a perfect blend of her two passions—promoting gender equality and sports. In the lead up to International Women's Day, we shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of UN Volunteers around the globe, Anabel is one of them and she has a clear message—"To all women out there, don't give up!" Let's hear about her UN Volunteer assignment as a Technical Specialist for the Protocol on Cases of Violence in Sports.

Since I was a child, I always knew that sports would have an important place in my life. Over the years, I realized that my calling went beyond just playing sports. I had a clear goal of combining my passion for sports with my commitment of gender equality. The challenge I was up against: The lack of opportunities to work on gender and sports in Ecuador. I was up for the challenge and started looking for opportunities.

Unveiling the official logo for International Volunteer Year 2026

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The selected logo was designed by Stefan Peters, a freelance designer from Germany. His creation met all the criteria, showcasing originality and visual appeal. The logo's clarity ensures it can be reproduced seamlessly across various dimensions and scales. Most importantly, it effectively symbolizes the role of volunteerism in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Standing up for the health rights of women in Sudan

United Nations Volunteers
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In the lead up to International Women's Day, we shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of UN Volunteers around the globe. Areeg Abass is one of them—hailing from Sudan, she serves as a UN Volunteer Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health Officer with the World Health Organization (WHO). Amidst one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, which has displaced over 10 million people and worsened the conditions for women and girls, Areeg's role is crucial. From grassroots-level support to community initiatives, volunteers like her lead the charge for change, exemplifying the strength of collective action.

Areeg's volunteer journey is marked by significant personal and professional growth. A graduate of Khartoum University, she is currently based in Port Sudan. She provides essential support to WHO's priorities in sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health.

Promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific

United Nations Volunteers
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Junichi Natsume is a fully funded UN Volunteer from Japan. He serves as a Disability Inclusion Project Officer with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Thailand. In this role, he leads a project dedicated to improving employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Globally, persons with disabilities comprise 16 percent of the world’s population, approximately 1.3 billion people. In Asia and the Pacific, more than 750 million persons with disabilities often face unequal access to a range of rights, opportunities, and social services. 

Shaping my persona—a blog from Bangladesh

Sonia Mehzabeen, UNV County Coordinator Bangladesh
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Born and raised in South Asia, I inherited a rich socio-cultural history; adopting societal norms of inclusiveness was an integral part of my upbringing. As the first-born child in a middle-class family, I was no exception to many others from my time. As young kids, we were encouraged to remain dutiful to family members and neighbours. Helping with household chores, sharing meals, offering support during troubled times, and celebrating festivals together were commonplace. The other important lesson was how important time was and how we must make the best use of it. This led me to a regimented lifestyle from a very early age.  

As readers you might be pondering why I chose to begin my blog with—duty, routine, time—as you read through, you will soon find the answer.

My country, Bangladesh was a beginner when I was born. She and I grew up almost together. We have traveled through the caravan of time and experienced transitions of more than four decades now. In all these years, I have seen her moving through the tough tunnels of development dynamics.

What brings me to work everyday? A blog from Pakistan

Waseem Ashraf, UNV Country Coordinator Pakistan
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Volunteerism is not just about dedicating time; it’s about dedicating heart, passion, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. As someone privileged and honoured to work with United Nations Volunteers (UNV), I often ask a simple question from our UN Volunteers during our monthly tea gatherings: What brings you to work every day?

But first let’s talk about tea or chai. Last year in a meeting with our senior manager, she asked me definition of a problem. “Anything that cannot be resolved over a cup of tea is a problem” was my answer.

In Pakistani culture, “let’s meet over a cup of tea” is not merely a simple statement. It symbolizes warmth, respect, and care. Tea is an integral part of our society and culture, and as a symbol of hospitality, social bonding, and friendships.  

Back to my question now.

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