United Nations, New York, 27 January 2009: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid welcomed President Obama's decision to restore funding and noted how quickly he addressed the issue.
Women voted enthusiastically, hoping that a new political system will reduce gender-based bias and violence. UNFPA supported women's participation in the elections process.
Midwives like Iv Sina and community volunteers are helping more Cambodian women increase the time between births, contributing to healthier pregnancies, infants and families and a better chance of escaping poverty.
A new centre in Dhaka offers surgery for young women who have endured the agony of obstetric fistula - a problem stemming from inadequate maternal health care and too-early marriage.
Recovered after multiple surgeries, Sultana is now an advocate, telling other women that their obstetric fistula can be repaired. With UNFPA support, a growing number of hospitals offer the procedure.
For 20 years, Basbebe was an outcast within her home. Now her humiliating isolation has ended, thanks to a determined doctor and a new surgery programme supported by UNFPA.