For cultural and biological reasons, women are twice as likely as men to experience depression. The unequal power and status of women can contribute to depression. Women earn less than men and have a lower socioeconomic status, which means lack of control and uncertainty about the future, which can cause depression.

The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and Women’s Media Watch (WMW) held a 3-day Regional Training Workshop on Gender and Media Advocacy from 10 to 12 April, 2008 in Kingston, Jamaica. The event was attended by media representatives from ten Caribbean countries and members of civil society.

The Congress of Guatemala unanimously approved a law establishing penalties of 20 - 50 years imprisonment for femicide. Punishments for sexual, physical, psychological and economic violence will vary from 5 to 8 years, depending on the severity of the crime.

From May 26 to 28 at the United Nations in Vienna, the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDAW/DESA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will convene an expert group meeting on lessons learned regarding violence against women legislation.