Voicing women's and girl's issues through volunteering

Fatima-Zahra Benyahia is an international UN Volunteer Partnership and Innovation Specialist with UNFPA Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) since March 2022. She amplifies the voices of women and girls by documenting and sharing their stories.

Fatima-Zahra has been a volunteer for the civil society since 2008. After she began her UN Volunteer assignment, she wanted to connect with people especially youth, women and girls who benefit from UNFPA initiatives. In her role, she documents stories centering on issues of stigma and reasons that prevent women, girls, and youth from fulfilling their potential such as child marriage, early pregnancy, maternal death, and gender-based violence.

Indigenous women leaders promote peace in Bolivia

Nine indigenous women are UN Community Volunteers in Bolivia. They promote peace and human rights in their communities through a dialogue on violence and conflict prevention. Gender equality is at the center of this dialogue.

Giovana Urquizo and Luisa Luna Choque are among the nine UN Community Volunteers. Giovana is from Chuquisaca Department in the center south of Bolivia and Luisa is from La Paz, the third most populous city and the seat of the government of Bolivia.