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As the world
commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence
against Women, it is time to remind ourselves, as world leaders
agreed at the 2005 World Summit, that progress for women is progress
for all.
Every woman has the
right to live in dignity—free of fear, coercion, violence and
discrimination. Every woman and girl has the right to education and
health, including sexual and reproductive health, and equal
opportunity. Yet, for hundreds of millions of girls and women
worldwide, these human rights are routinely denied.
As a result, women and
girls continue to be threatened by domestic violence and abuse in
their own homes. Girls are forced into marriage as child brides.
Women and girls are subjected to shocking levels of sexual violence.
In conflict situations, rape is used as a strategy of war. And
trafficking of women, a modern form of slavery, is on the rise.
Violence and exploitation are also putting women and girls at
increased risk of HIV infection and furthering the spread of the
AIDS pandemic. Violence against women is a threat to health and a
violation of human rights. It also carries heavy social and economic
costs for women, their families and communities, and entire
countries.
Today and every day we
must speak out forcefully for zero tolerance of all forms of
violence against women and girls. Together we have to do more to
back up our rhetoric with action.
And we must recognize
that this is not a woman’s issue—this is an issue that concerns us
all, and men have an important and responsible role to play.
Together we must prevent
and punish violence against women. It is neither inevitable nor
acceptable and it can be stopped. Social norms and attitudes that
condone discrimination and violence against women and girls can be
changed. This is the first step, which requires awareness raising,
behavior change and social mobilization.
A second step is legal
protection. We need to strengthen legal systems and the rule of law.
The rights of
women—including their rights to income, property, security and
inheritance—need to be protected and those who violate the laws must
be brought to justice.
A third step is the
provision of health information and services. We need to do more to
guarantee the right to sexual and reproductive health, including
family planning, safe motherhood and HIV prevention.
UNFPA is working with a
wide range of partners to eliminate violence against women and to
promote women’s empowerment, male responsibility, gender equality
and reproductive health and rights. We are convinced that this
comprehensive approach will move us closer to a world where women
and girls can live free from fear and violence and reach their full
potential, and where women and men can enjoy mutual respect and
confidence.
Source: UNFPA
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