EU and UN Women call for accelerating progress towards ending violence against women and girls
EU and UN Women call for accelerating progress towards ending violence against women and girls
To mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global annual campaign that runs from 25 November to 10 December, the European Union (EU) together with UN Women organised on 25/11 in Jakarta a public discussion that puts the spotlight on women’s rights to live free from violence and how everyone can contribute to making a world that is equal and violence free.
The public discussion, titled “Together We End Violence against Women and Girls”, focused on the key challenges in the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls, addressing inequality and discriminatory social norms that negatively affects women, and engaging men to advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. Among the speakers were social influencer, Velove Vexia; Komnas Perempuan, Budi Wahyuni; and Aliansi Laki-Laki Baru, Bagia Saputra.
"As we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we say once again: this must stop now. Violence against women remains one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today. It is often unreported due to the stigma and shame surrounding it, and the impunity enjoyed by many of its perpetrators. We all have the responsibility to openly reject acts of violence or harassment," said H.E. Vincent Piket, the EU Ambassador to Indonesia.
“Women and girls continue to experience violence in nearly every space of their lives, at home, street, school, work and it impact women regardless of their level of education, social status or age. Violence against women is not inevitable. We all have a role to play in ending violence against women and girls. Our UN campaign emphasises everyone, women, girls, men, and boys to speak against normalising violence against women and challenge the social norms and negative stereotyping around gender that prevents women and girls from realising their rights,” said Jamshed Kazi, UN Women Representative and Liaison to ASEAN.
The EU and UN Women have been long standing partners in the fight against gender-based violence, including through the HeForShe initiative. In conjunction with the public discussion, the EU Ambassador and the Ambassadors of EU Member States also took part in the HeForShe pledge, to reaffirm their commitment and to raise awareness on engaging men and boys to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
During the event, the EU also exhibited artworks from 12 finalists of the "Think Equal, Think Girls" Comic and Cartoon Drawing Competition. With an aim to encourage young people to promote girls' rights, the nationwide competition was won by Amy Rahmadhita from Bandung (1st Prize), followed by Rama Indra Pradana from Cimahi (2nd Prize) and Leni Kamilia Nuraini from Bandung (3rd Prize).
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About Ending Violence against Women and Girls
Around the world, 1 in 3 women have experienced violence in their lifetime. Indonesian women face significant violence in both public and private spaces. In 2018, there were 406,178 reported cases of violence against women. Violence against women and girls is rooted in gender-based discrimination, stereotypes, and social norms that perpetuate violence. Working with men and boys and encouraging them to be the agents of change to promote a culture of respect for women, helps accelerate progress in preventing and ending violence against women and girls.
About HeForShe
Created by UN Women, the HeForShe solidarity movement for gender equality provides a systematic approach and targeted platform on which men and boys can engage and become change agents towards the achievement of gender equality. Since its launch, HeForShe has encouraged hundreds of thousands of men around the world-including H.E. President Joko Widodo, CEOs and global advocates from all walks of life to advance gender equality.
About the European Union
The EU is a unique economic and political union between 28 Member States. Together, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing the causes of peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe. The EU is the largest trade block in the world; as well as the world's largest source and destination of foreign direct investment. Collectively, the EU and its Member States are the largest donor of Official Development Assistance (ODA), providing more than half of ODA globally.
About UN Women
UN Women is the United Nations organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, the organisation was established in 2010 to accelerate progress on women’s rights worldwide. UN Women’s efforts are based on the fundamental belief that every woman has the right to live a life free from violence, poverty, and discrimination, and that gender equality is a prerequisite to achieving global development.
https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/countries/indonesia
#HeForShe #16Days #orangetheworld