One in three women in the world is likely to be subjected to violence in her lifetime. Women aged 15-44 are more at risk from rape and domestic violence than from cancer, motor accidents, war and malaria, according to World Bank data. Over the past two decades, increased attention has been paid by governments, the UN system and non-governmental organizations to preventing and combating violence against women. However, much more needs to be done.

The General Assembly has designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and has invited governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to organize on that day activities to raise public awareness of the problem.

For more information: http://endviolence.un.org/

Nominations for 2009 UN Public Service Awards

Public organizations and agencies at national or local levels, as well as public-private partnerships involved in public service delivery can now be nominated for the 2009 UN Public Service Awards. Nominations will be accepted online until 15 January.

Governments and civil society organizations are invited to submit for consideration public service institutions that have distinguished themselves by: improving transparency, accountability and responsiveness in public service; improving the delivery of services; fostering participation in policymaking decisions through innovative mechanisms; or advancing knowledge management in government. A special award – the UNPAN Member Excellence Award on Knowledge Sharing – will also be given to agencies that have made a significant contribution to the UNPAN network.

For more information: http://www.unpan.org/DPADM/UNPublicServiceDayAwards/UNPublicServiceDayAwards/tabid/566/Default.aspx

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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Nominations for 2009 UN Public Service Awards