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I believe you – a three-part mini-series

16 August 2026
News release
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What role do health systems play in protecting women and girls from violence? That’s the overarching question at the heart of a new mini-series from WHO’s Health In Europe podcast, called “I Believe You” – launched as part of the Special Initiative on Violence against Women and Girls. 

Across three episodes, we hear from leaders at WHO, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women.

In the first episode, Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, sits down with Melanie Hyde, WHO Europe’s Technical Officer on Gender, Equality and Human Rights, and Greg Bianci, a WHO Europe Communications Officer, to explore complex challenges facing health care professionals on the front line and discuss why combating violence against women and girls is now among WHO’s top priorities in the European Region. 

Health in Europe podcast - Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge

Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

In the second episode, Florence Bauer from the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, shares how the agency’s work connects to violence, as well as how abuse has moved online. 

Health in Europe podcast - Florence Bauer

 Florence Bauer, United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency 'UNFPA'.

In the third and final episode, we hear from Elisa Fernandez Saenz from UN Women Europe and Central Asia, who tells us about her upbringing in Costa Rica. We find out what led to her working with UN Women and consider just how vital cross-sector cooperation is in addressing gender inequality.

Health in Europe podcast - Elisa Fernandez Saenz

Elisa Fernandez Saenz, UN Women Europe and Central Asia.

“I Believe You” is a mini-series from WHO's Health In Europe podcast.