NAIROBI, 7 Feb 2006 (IRIN) - Governments, NGOs and affected communities must continue the struggle to end the suffering of an estimated three million girls around the world who endure the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) every year, UN agencies have said. Full report

KINSHASA, 3 Feb 2006 (IRIN) - The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations Children's Fund have signed a new plan of action to mobilise US $93.9 million to support government, civil society and development partners' efforts to improve the living conditions of the nation's most vulnerable groups.Full report

JOHANNESBURG, 1 Feb 2006 (IRIN) - A recent study and several well-publicised cases of gender violence have raised concern in Malawi, with the president and aid agencies calling for urgent action to address the problem.Full report

NAIROBI, 26 Jan 2006 (IRIN) - In February 2005, the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, MONUC, created an office to address allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation...Full report

JOHANNESBURG, 23 Jan 2006 (IRIN) - The worsening humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe is making children more vulnerable to abuse, according to child rights NGOs. Full report

MONROVIA, 17 Jan 2006 (IRIN) - On President Ellen Johnson-Sirleafs first day in office, IRIN takes a look back at 25 turbulent years of war and, finally, peace in Liberia.Full report

MONROVIA, 16 Jan 2006 (IRIN) - Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf placed her hand on the bible and took the oath of office as Liberias and Africas first female president on Monday, promising peace and restoration for the war-torn nation.Full report

DAKAR, 9 Jan 2006 (IRIN) - West Africa, the world's poorest region, chalked up successes in 2005, with war-battered Liberia and Sierra Leone edging closer to lasting peace. But perennial problems such as corruption and unemployment could still scupper progress, and elsewhere in the region prospects remained bleak.Full report

BULAWAYO, 5 Jan 2006 (IRIN) - Annastasia, 12 months old, her hair plaited with red and white ribbons to match her flowery dress, conjures the ideal image of a cute toddler, a perfect contender for a baby pageant. Full report

DAR ES SALAAM, 4 Jan 2006 (IRIN) - Newly elected Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete announced his cabinet on Wednesday, comprising 29 ministers and 30 deputies. The cabinet has many new faces and the highest number of women the country has had since independence.Full report

WEST AFRICA: Year in Review 2005 - Stability see-saws in the world's poorest region

LIBERIA: A chronology of 25 years of conflict and turmoil

NIGER: Slavery - an unbroken chain

MALAWI: Abuse of women and girls a national shame

DRC: UN investigations into allegations of sexual offences by peacekeepers

ZAMBIA: Landmark judgment for women in customary marriages

SUDAN: Dealing with gender violence through music