The Best Form of Public Spending Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Best Form of Public Spending - Essay Example By the by, there is a requirement for different governments to pick the proper and most ideal approach to spend assets. Since high neediness level is normal in numerous nations, it, thusly, comprises the most serious issue on the planet. Measurements show that half of the total populace lives beneath the neediness level of $ 2.50 every day. The real numbers from the record gauge this number to be 3 billion individuals in the whole world. It, in this manner, implies that over portion of the total populace endures since they live on not exactly $ 2.50 a day along these lines can't stand to buy the majority of their needs. In addition, 22000 youngsters kick the bucket day by day because of the impacts of destitution on the planet (Pogge, 2008). Hence, the best type of open spending involves distributing assets and utilizing them to diminish and ease destitution. Â The significant capacity of each administration is to shield its residents from the impacts of destitution. Supporting this diminishes hopelessness among the residents in this manner guaranteeing that they acknowledge and bolster the administration by being energetic and steadfast. Therefore, since high destitution expands the degrees of sadness, its decrease limits despondency levels in residents in this way, improving the expectations for everyday comforts (Coate, Knight and National Bureau of Economic Research, 2009). Through the assignment of sufficient assets and utilizing it in subsidizing different undertakings planned for lessening neediness levels and enabling its residents, the legislature spends its assets in the most ideal manner conceivable. Â In end, the best type of open going through ought to be that with the best advantage to residents. Along these lines, each administration ought to endeavor at decreasing the degree of neediness on the planet since this will check human affliction and improve their expectations for everyday comforts. Notwithstanding, this job ought not exclusively be left to the administration. People need to offer help to the administration in this manner guaranteeing the accomplishment of the activity.

Diminishing Returns in the Pursuit of Happiness

Question: Examine about the Report on Diminishing Returns in the Pursuit of Happiness? Answer: Presentation: The thought of quest for bliss has been examined in detail in this specific investigation. The overall term, quest for satisfaction, is considered as a correct statement that had been risen at the hour of autonomy in America. With this specific term, it has been guaranteed that each individual has full freedom to lead existence with overpowering satisfaction and bliss. Person can seek after any legitimate movement until the individual submit encroach to one side of others. In this specific task, the idea of quest for satisfaction has been clarified in detail stressing on the perspective on Asian individuals just as American individuals. The way of life of two nations is extraordinary. That is the explanation the perspective with respect to the quest for satisfaction varies individual to individual. Talking about the difference on the quest for bliss from American point of view and from Asian viewpoint According to the Americans perspective, driving a glad and serene life is significant so as to make due in this world. Individuals may need to buckle down for existing under the earth as life is encircled with battle and hardships and. At the hour of American freedom, the idea of quest for joy had been proclaimed. American accepts that satisfaction comes in the life of a person in the wake of giving work and industry (Eckersley, 2009). Accordingly, so as to have a quiet existence work and industry are unavoidable that causes an individual to arrive at their objective. Accordingly, consequently they would get opportunity and industry as their prize. The idea of Asian with respect to the quest for bliss is very unique. According to their perspective, bliss comes due to fortune or karma. That is the explanation one specific individual is cheerful enough and the other having a place with same nation needs to lead a difficult and hopeless life. In this way, Asian accepts that people who are sufficient blessed get the chance to have a quiet existence. All the more explicitly, a large portion of the nations of Asia fall under the class of creating nation (Greaves, 2010). Accordingly, the individuals of those nations need to enormous battle so as to gain cash. Regardless of being scholarly, the understudies of Asian nations need to confront monstrous difficulties to pick up character or acknowledgment. Individuals need to confront tremendous difficulties so as to improve their way of life. A large portion of the individuals are reliant on rural or make callings due to which their wellsprings of acquiring gets constrained. Therefore, yo uthful ages need to languish colossally over their further preparing or progress. In this manner, barely any fortunate individuals get chance to have a fruitful existence for Asian nation (Hornung, 2008). That is the explanation, Asians has confidence in karma or fortune for the quest for bliss. In this way, in the idea of the quest for satisfaction, the assessments of American and Asian contrast profoundly because of some social elements. America is out-an-out a created nation dependent on various businesses where countless individuals are engaged with different associations. They have confidence in working and work (Mihelich, 2011). Their mechanical progression, their creative approaches and frameworks inside the business developed achievement that encourages the individuals to have a modern existence. Then again, the greater part of the nations of Asia depend on horticulture and artworks. The individuals of here are not progressed in innovation in evident sense. Asians need to battle monstrously so as to have an effective existence. As nations seem to be, as yet creating individuals need to rely massively upon barely any ventures (Suzuki 2013). They experience to confront difficulty so as to find an appropriate line of work. Thus, the level of destitution is wide in number in contrast with the USA nations. These social contrasts are the essential explanations behind the distinction of sentiment from American to Asian. Subsequently, Asians accepts on fortune and American accepts on work. The quest for joy idea had been counted first in the freedom day of America Yen, 2015). End: The whole investigation has managed the idea of quest for bliss. This fundamental term had been counted at the hour of American reliance. Individuals of America accept that joy is fundamental so as to have an effective existence. Person can gain satisfaction just when they would be relentless and devoted towards their activity. Taking rest is pointless or useless as it neglects to render bliss. In this manner, individuals should be dynamic for investigating joy. On different hands, Asians perspective accepts that fortune and karma are the watchwords for rendering joy in the life of person. Along these lines the social distinction of two unique mainlands is the essential purpose behind demonstrating inverse origination in a specific issue. Reference List: Eckersley, R. (2009). The Mixed Blessings of Material Progress: Diminishing Returns in the Pursuit of Happiness. Diary of Happiness Studies, 1(3), pp.267-292. Greaves, D. (2010). The over the top quest for wellbeing and bliss. BMJ, 321(7276), pp.1576-1576. Hornung, B. (2008). Satisfaction and the quest for bliss. Kybernetes, 35(3/4), pp.323-346. Mihelich, J. (2011). Behind the Gates: Life, Security, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Fortress America:Behind the Gates: Life, Security, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Fortress America. American Anthropologist, 108(3), pp.601-602. Suzuki, S. (2013). Insight on the Pursuit of Happiness in Daily Life. Paragrana, 22(1), pp.78-100. Yen, J. (2015). Reexamining time in the quest for bliss. Hypothesis Psychology, 25(4), pp.541-542.

Turning Libraries Into Learning Commons

Turning Libraries Into Learning Commons The library space should be three things: welcoming, comfortable, and useful. School libraries today are in a state of flux: many are on the verge of closing or understaffed, and just as many are growing into the learning commons a library should be. No matter where your library falls on this spectrum, there is no question that your job as a librarian is to be all things to all users. That may seem daunting, but it really is simple if you have the right outlook. Not every school has a healthy budget to promote and support a full library makeover, but even without money, small changes will yield a big impact. When I was offered the position of Library Media Specialist at a high school, I was lucky to have the backing of the school and district as I transformed a tired, unwelcoming library space into what became the hub of the school. Because not every librarian is quite so fortunate, I’ll outline my makeover process in sections, starting with what can be done by every librarian regardless of budget, and then move into the options for big spending. Services This is the most important job of any librarian, in my opinion. We are the “yes men,” so to speak. Whatever a patron needs, we say, “Yes, I can help with that.” (And if we can’t, we figure out who can.) My students â€" and even school staff â€" were never allowed to use the library before I was hired. I had to go out of my way to change this attitude and invite them into what should have already been their space. How did I accomplish this? By meeting everyone more than halfway â€" in fact, I went to them. Send emails reminding staff of the lessons you can teach (copyright/fair use, research skills, web tools, etc.). Create a plan for scheduling your spaces and make it user-friendly for teachers to sign up. Ask teachers what projects they have going on and offer to co-teach or introduce the students to the necessary databases for any research elements. Pay attention to your users. Keep records of requests and needs. Ask yourself: if something is too difficult to access, what can you do to make it easier for patrons to find? Have office supplies stocked and out for all patrons to use. I promise, it is necessary. I had a caddy with pens, pencils, erasers, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, staplers, tape dispensers, lined paper, copier paper, grid paper, and dry erase markers and erasers. (Plus, I had back-ups at the ready.) Don’t have a budget for this? Float the idea of having other departments chip in â€" after all, it’s their projects these kids are working on, right? If that doesn’t work, community organizations often look for ways to contribute to schools and libraries. Give students access to whatever technology you have available, including printing capabilities. If you have limited technology, it’s even more important that you keep what you have running properly, and promptly call the tech department when problems inevitably arise. I also loved occasionally stocking my Keurig with fun coffee flavors, creamers, teas, hot chocolates and bringing in baked treats for the staff. They never passed up free goodies, and it gave us an opportunity to chat about potential collaboration. In short, what do your patrons need? Answer: Everything. All the time. Have it ready, and if you don’t have it ready this time, be prepared for next time. Environment The library space should be three things: welcoming, comfortable, and useful. Creating a welcoming environment is easy: you, the librarian, want the library filled with teachers and students, yes? Yes. Be inviting, be a friend, be happy. You have the best job in the world, so this should be the easiest part. Making the library useful is almost as simple â€" all those services from the first section are geared toward ensuring that patrons know they can come to the library for anything they need. It should be their most trusted resource. As far as a creating comfortable environment, ideally you should have many options for seating, and when possible, that seating should be flexible. In my library, we replaced the old, heavy, stationary tables and chairs and replaced them with furniture on wheels. I could set up the tables for a presentation during third period, and by fourth period, everything would have a new place. Students could move and arrange tables and chairs to suit their needs â€" whether they wanted to join a group or get away from one, the space was theirs. We also had three seating areas with comfortable couches, rugs, tables, and charging stations. These were stationary, but attracted both casual groups and serious studiers. If you have money in the budget for furniture, it would be well-spent on creating these comfortable spaces and flexible seating arrangements. For many, though, the budget might not stretch beyond the cost of new books, which is Priority One. If that’s the case for you, keep an eye out for affordable pillows or rugs that can make a space more inviting, or suggest a pillow-sewing project for the Interior Design class! And if none of the previous options of couches, pillows, and rugs are at your disposal? Grab some students and do some heavy lifting â€" take a chance to arrange those tables differently one day. Then switch things up again the next week. Go ahead: move two tables together for sixth period next Tuesday, because there’s a project due in World History and those freshmen need a space to lay out their materials. If your arrangement doesn’t appear to be flexible, show the students that they can still make it work for them because it is their space. Spending This final section is important, but not absolutely necessary. If you stop here and only focus on your services and environment, you will already be prepared to pull off a fantastic makeover. But I can’t lie: if you have money to spend on technology, do it; if you don’t have money, look for grants. At my school, our big spending was focused on technology, in hopes of finding a balance between two extremes. “1-to-1” devices seemed to be potential distractions, yet only offering computer labs for full classes to use was too limited. We went for a “technology readily available” approach. The district applied for federal funding and technology grants to purchase several laptop carts to be housed in the library, and over the next few years, additional carts were purchased for each department. Teachers could reserve a cart to be used in the library or to be taken to their classroom, and I tried to keep a cart in the library for individual students to use when they came in to work. We also bought six “pods,” which were large tables equipped with large flatscreen TVs, 4 HDMI cords, and laptops, allowing groups to work on individual laptops or display one on the screen for collaborations. Students loved the pods for all purposes, but teachers also loved to reserve them for technology lessons and projects. This, in turn, improved collaborative lessons by bringing in fun, new technology elements. Lastly, we purchased two large screens to be used for lessons and presentations. This is where I would teach tech tools, database use, copyright/fair use, research skills, and more. The two screens connected via HDMI to one computer, so the presenter or teacher could either create a presentation and run it with a clicker, or manually use the laptop to access different sites, etc. based on the lesson. Library. Learning Commons. Safe Haven. Trusted Resource. This is what we librarians are, and so much more. I hope your libraries become the favorite place on campus like mine did. Good luck and happy makeover! Follow TeacherVision on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.

My Last Dutchess by Robert Browning Essay - 923 Words

My Last Dutchess by Robert Browning Robert Browning, one of the most influential and imaginative poets in our history, engulfs readers in a wave of dramatic language, and colorful character representation in the extremely popular poem: â€Å"My Last Duchess†, which stands as one of Browning’s most famous literary pieces. In many ways the tone Browning wishes to convey provides a dark background in which many impressions and interpretations of the Duke and his former Duchess can be assessed. â€Å"And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst, how such a glance came there; so, not the first are you to turn and ask thus† (Kennedy 16). As well, Browning has ingeniously chosen vivid and extraordinary instances through out the poem to hint at†¦show more content†¦As this masterful dialogue continues, the reader comes to the reality that in fact the Duke is responsible for the Duchess’s early demise: â€Å"I gave commands; then all smiles stopped together. There she stands as if aliveà ¢â‚¬  (Kennedy 16). Having the Duke hint at the Duchesses demise with his last remarks, he intently returns to the business at hand: the arrangement of his marriage to a new young girl. In a way the Duke is nonchalantly brushing off the fate of the Duchess, as if she were just an intricate piece of artwork in his gallery. Have you note, as the Duke walks past the portrait, he is eager to point out many other valuable pieces of artwork, as if to say that solely he owns each piece of artwork, including the portrait of his last Duchess. â€Å"Together down, sir. Notice Neptune, though. Taming a sea-horse, thought a rarity, which Claus of Innsbruck cast in bronze for me† (Kennedy 17)! By creating a dark and mysterious character, such as the Duke, Browning envelopes his audience in a picturesque landscape, masking the horrific qualities the Duke possesses. With some further research, this specific historical background was set during the Italian Renaissance, inspiring and fascinating Browning in his creation. The Italian Renaissance represented â€Å"the flowering of the aesthetic and the human† (Watson 133). Offering this setting to imply the complications and intrigue with human sexuality and male domination during the Renaissance time period.Show MoreRelatedMy Last Duchess By Robert Browning Essay1058 Words   |  5 PagesMy last duchess by Robert Browning Quote Analysis My Last Duchess by Robert Browning is a mysterious monologue about a duke who is showing a portrait of his former wife or last duchess to a visitor at his palace. While showing this portrait of his former wife, the duke begins to demean the duchess character and their life together. Although the duke is very well spoken and chooses his words carefully as he describes the duchess, he ends up reveling more about himself than his last duchess. By doing

The Abolitionist Movement. The Abolitionist Movement Started

The Abolitionist Movement The Abolitionist movement started around the 1830s and lasted until 1865. This movement was a huge step toward our country’s future, attempting to end slavery and racial discrimination. People like William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe persuaded others in their cause and elected those with the same views as them in political positions. William Lloyd Garrison started an abolitionist newspaper called the Liberator, Frederick Douglas also wrote a newspaper, called the North Star, and Harriet Beecher Stowe published a novel called â€Å"Uncle Tom’s Cabin.† These advocates, while they did not cause the Civil War, they contributed to this war by bringing attention to one of the country’s†¦show more content†¦These different views allowed people to view slavery from a new perspective. Many people who were proslavery soon felt sorry for their actions and saw their actions as a sin. William Lloyd Garrison, a white man from Massachusetts became a part of the anti-slavery movement, or abolitionist movement, in 1830. Right away, William Lloyd Garrison published a weekly paper called the Liberator, which directly stated the need for â€Å"immediate and complete emancipation of all slaves.† William Lloyd Garrison saw that the only way that slavery could end was by persuading those who would read his pieces. Garrison realized the only way to prove how bad slavery is, was to show how immoral and unjust it was for there to be slavery in our country. He felt so strongly about his views, e once burned a copy of the Constitution because this documented stated the right to own slaves. Garrisons paper had received very harsh responses and many states wanted to charge against Garrison for a felonious crime and would reward others who found those who distributed his paper. (28a. William Lloyd Garrison and The Liberator) The reason why Garrison had received such severe reactions from people was because of his non-government theories and his idea that the government was a form of compromise, explaining how slavery would not end with compromise. He also wrote in the Liberator and â€Å"denounced the Compromise of 1850, condemned theShow MoreRelatedThe American Abolitionists Book Review Essay1214 Words   |  5 PagesHarrold Stanley, American Abolitionists is a book that scrutinizes the movement of abolishing slavery in the United States. It examines the movement from its origin in the 18century in the course of the Civil War and the elimination of slavery in 1856. American Abolitionists book focuses on the American Abolitionists who struggled to end slavery and advocated for equal rights for all African Americans in the United States. Harrold mainly focuses his book on the abolitionist movement and the effect of slavesRead MoreWomen s Rights Movement And Abolitionist Movements1397 Words   |  6 Pages2. There were multiple factors which linked the women’s rights movements and the abolitionist movements. Many women joined abolitionist movement as a way to enter public life and have the opportunity to talk about controversial topics. They faced criticism for addressing these controversial issues which prompted them to attempt gain freedom for women as well as those who were enslaved. They tried to use the abolitionist movement as a way to also gain equal rights for a women as there seemed to beRead MoreAnother Leader, James Birney, Was A Powerful Abolitionists1550 Words   |  7 Pages Another leader, James Birney, was a powerful abolitionists leader and â€Å"he believed that political action and the power of religion were the keys to ending slavery,† and his proposal, â€Å"proposed measures that would allow the legislature to emancipate slaves and prohibit selling slaves brought into the state,† allowed for him to be known as, â€Å"one of the nation’s most prominent abolitionists† (American Experience†). James Birney was also the Liberty Party’s presidential candidate during the 1840 toRead MoreWomen s Rights And Abolitionist Movement Essay985 Words   |  4 PagesThe Beginning of Women’s Rights Abolitionist Movement Women’s Rights Abolitionists Back in the nineteenth century men and women were not treated equally as they are now. Women did not have as much freedom as the men did and that caused a national movement. Not only were the women segregated from the men, but the discrimination against the African American race was a huge ordeal as well. With both movements combined, it led to a controversial development at that time. Not only were womenRead MoreThe Abolition Movement1079 Words   |  4 Pages Abolition Movement From the 1830s until 1870, the abolitionist movement attempted to achieve immediate emancipation of all slaves and the ending of racial segregation and discrimination. Their idea of these goals distinguished abolitionists from the broad-based political opposition to slavery’s westward expansion that started in the North after 1840 and raised issues leading to the Civil War. Yet, these two expressions of hostility to slavery were often closely related not only in their beliefsRead MoreAbolitionist And The Civil War995 Words   |  4 PagesAbolitionist and the Civil War Three decades before the Civil War, a movement wanted Emancipation for all slaves. The Abolitionists were wanting slavery to be abolished due to moral causes along with courage. Tis movement became and Evangelical crusade in the 1830s. Their main focus and pus was to end the sin-filled behaviors against the slaves everywhere. Personal freedom was exceedingly important and a belief that, â€Å"all men are created,† (Abolitionist Movement,† History, N.p.,n.d.). ThereRead MoreThe Abolitionist Movement and The Civil Rights Movement Essay615 Words   |  3 Pages Throughout the history of the United States there have been many reform movements that have molded the culture we live in today. The rights that we as Americans enjoy today can be credited to the people who fought for more rights and a better way of life. Two reform movements that have changed America for the better are the Abolitionist Movement and the Civil Rights Movement. Around the 1820’s the feeling of legal slavery was changing in the United States. The southRead MoreThe Amistad Case Of American History923 Words   |  4 Pageslegal; therefore they should be returned to their home land on Africa. The abolitionists became very involved in this case. The abolitionists were a group of Americans that wanted to end the practice of slavery in the United States. The abolitionists started their movement somewhere around 1820†s. The main idea of the movement was that slavery was a sinful practice. The way the movement gain momentum during this time was the printing of pamphlets one such pamphlet was called theRead MoreFrederick Douglass : African American Freedom Struggle888 Words   |  4 Pagesthe 1860’s with the help of the abolitionist movement. Before becoming a famous spokesman Douglass was just like every other African American slave, attempting to find a way to freedom. Douglass’ runaway slave status quickly changed when abolitionist bought his freedom in hopes to strengthen the abolitionist movement. Since abolitionists were able to recognize Douglass’ intellectual abilities it made him a key aspect towards the success in the abolitionist move ment, African American community, andRead MoreEssay On The Abolitionist Movement807 Words   |  4 Pagestheir development. These changes include the Temperance movement, the Abolitionist movement, the Second Awakening, trading and the start of the Industrial Revolution. With these events impacting social development, America developed a strong identity. The Second Awakening is a movement that begins in 1800. This movement had different movements that lead up to the â€Å"Awakening†. These ideas included â€Å"Temperance movement, Abolitionist movement, and Women’s suffrage.† The start of the Second Awakening

Sacred Spaced Ap Art History Free Essays

Throughout history, monuments have been built to show power, wealth, and even conquest. Depending on a cultures value and tradition, the types of monuments can vary from era to era. However, the construction of sacred monuments has predated from the times of the start of civilization in Mesopotamia to even modern day. We will write a custom essay sample on Sacred Spaced Ap Art History or any similar topic only for you Order Now People have always created buildings to show their faith, and to honor their gods. In Ashokan India and ancient Greece, the creation of sacred spaces was very common. The creation of the Great Stupa in India and the Parthenon in Greece both were built for the honor and worship for the respective god and goddess for both nation In India during the rule of the Buddhist ruler Ashoka, the Great Stupa of Sanchi was commissioned. The Great Stupa was considered to be one of the greatest monasteries patriotisms to Buddhism. Even though it can be dated back to Ashoka’s reign, its consists of many buildings and parts that was made overtime and well beyond the time period of Ashoka. The dome of the stupa is roughly fifty feet high and is filled with earth and rubble. The stupa would hold relics of the Buddha himself where the people of india would come to as a pilgrimage. The people of India would enter through the gateways of the stupa, walk down a path called the lower circumambulation, and climb up the stairs to the secon level to walk the second circumambulation of the stupa. Buddhist ventured the relics of Buddha through circumambulations, which was walking around the stupa in a clockwise manner, following the path of the sun and brining the worshiper into harmony with the universe. The Great Stupa itself had more than six hundred inscriptions showing the donations of hundreds of individuals that made the building of the stupa possible. Ancient Greece was also known for extravagant temples honoring their Gods. The Acropolis found in Athens is another example of elevation in attempt to get closer to the divinity. The Parthenon was built for Athena, the city’s patron goddess and also the goddess of War. The Greeks built this large temple to thank Athena for the Salvation of Athens after their victory in the Persian War. Inside, there once stood a thirty-eight foot high statue of Athena with a winged Nike in her hand. On her sandal, there was a depiction of the centauromachy. On her shield were scenes of both the amazonomachy and he gigantomachy. All of these were battles the Gods fought in during the Persian War. The columns of the temple surrounded the statue in a symmetrical way that emphasized Athena’s importance as the centerpiece. On the outside of the temple were about ninety different metopes depicting gods and goddesses and a 590 foot frieze on the inside. Greeks were proud of the Parthenon, not only because it was considered a piece of art, but because it was also significant of their victory over Persia. They worshipped to Athena all over the Acropolis and also sacrificed animals such as oxen, goats and sheep. Sometimes worship was held in the form of social festivities honoring Athena. Sacred sites were greatly influenced by the cultures of each era, and had a impact on the lives of the people. The Great Stupa, which was open to all of India, attracted many buddhists and was a center for prayer. In ancient Greece, the Parthenon was used to worship athens main deity, Athena, and served as a place of worship to other gods as well. It was placed on a higher surface to show its importance, and the Great Stupa engraved inscriptions of the people who donated to the construction of the temple to show appreciation. How to cite Sacred Spaced Ap Art History, Papers

Fgm Human Rights Voilation free essay sample

Practices are mostly carried out on young girls sometime between infancy and age 15, and occasionally on adult women. In Africa, about three million girls are at risk for FGM annually. An estimated 140 million girls and women worldwide are living with the consequences of FGM. In Africa, about 92 million girls age 10 years and above are estimated to have undergone FGM. The practice is most common in the western, eastern, and north-eastern regions of Africa, in some countries in Asia and the Middle East, and among migrants from these areas. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an intense form of discrimination against women. It is nearly always carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children. The practice also violates a persons rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death. The causes of female genital mutilation include a mix of cultural, religious and social factors within families and communities. Where FGM is a social convention, the social pressure to conform to what others do and have been doing is a strong motivation to perpetuate the practice. FGM is often considered a necessary part of raising a girl properly, and a way to prepare her for adulthood and marriage. FGM is often motivated by beliefs about what is considered proper sexual behaviour, linking procedures to premarital virginity and marital fidelity. FGM is in many communities believed to reduce a womans libido and therefore believed to help her resist illicit sexual acts. When a vaginal opening is covered or narrowed (type 3 above), the fear of the pain of opening it, and the fear that this will be found out, is expected to further discourage illicit sexual intercourse among women with this type of FGM. FGM is associated with cultural ideals of femininity and modesty, which include the notion that girls are â€Å"clean† and beautiful after removal of body parts that are considered male or unclean. Though no religious scripts prescribe the practice, practitioners often believe the practice has religious support. Religious leaders take varying positions with regard to FGM: some promote it, some consider it irrelevant to religion, and others contribute to its elimination. Local structures of power and authority, such as community leaders, religious leaders, circumcisers, and even some medical personnel can contribute to upholding the practice. In most societies, FGM is considered a cultural tradition, which is often used as an argument for its continuation. In some societies, recent adoption of the practice is linked to copying the traditions of neighbouring groups. Sometimes it has started as part of a wider religious or traditional revival movement. In some societies, FGM is practised by new groups when they move into areas where the local population practice FGM. In 1997, WHO issued a joint statement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) against the practice of FGM. A new statement, with wider United Nations support, was then issued in February 2008 to support increased advocacy for the abandonment of FGM. The 2008 statement documents evidence collected over the past decade about the practice. It highlights the increased recognition of the human rights and legal dimensions of the problem and provides data on the frequency and scope of FGM. It also summarizes research about why FGM continues, how to stop it, and its damaging effects on the health of women, girls and newborn babies. In 2010 WHO published a Global strategy to stop health care providers from performing female genital mutilation in collaboration with other key UN agencies and international organizations. Since 1997, great efforts have been made to counteract FGM, through research, work within communities, and changes in public policy. Progress at both international and local levels includes:wider international involvement to stop FGM;the development of international monitoring bodies and resolutions that condemn the practice;revised legal frameworks and growing political support to end FGM (this includes a law against FGM in 22 African countries, and in several states in two other countries, as well as 12 industrialized countries with migrant populations from FGM practicing countries);in most countries, the prevalence of FGM has decreased, and an increasing number of women and men in practising communities support ending its practice. Research shows that, if practising communities themselves decide to abandon FGM, the practice can be eliminated very rapidly. In 2008, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution (WHA61. 16) on the elimination of FGM, emphasizing the need for concerted action in all sectors health, education, finance, justice and womens affairs. WHO efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation focus on:advocacy: developing publications and advocacy tools for international, regional and local efforts to end FGM within a generation; research: generating knowledge about the causes and consequences of the practice, how to eliminate it, and how to care for those who have experienced FGM; guidance for health systems: developing training materials and guidelines for health professionals to help them treat and counsel women who have undergone procedures. WHO is particularly concerned about the increasing trend for medically trained personnel to perform FGM. WHO strongly urges health professionals not to perform such procedures.