By Prince S. Nagbe
Monrovia, Nov. 27 (LINA) – United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has termed violence against women and girls as a global pandemic, moral affront, mark of shame on all societies, and a major obstacle to inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.
In his speech delivered by UN Resident Coordinator to Liberia, Yacoub El Hillo, at programs marking the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia on Monday, the UNSG noted that at itscore, violence against women and girls in all its forms is a manifestation of a profound lack of respect for women by men.
Gueterres sees this inhumane act as failure on the part of men to recognize the inherent equality and dignity of women which, according to him, is an issue of fundamental human rights.
He noted that the menace which takes many forms, ranging from domestic violence to trafficking, from sexual violence in conflict to child marriage, genital mutilation and femicide, does not only harm the individual, but it also has far-reaching consequences for families and the society.
He added that violence experienced as a child is linked to vulnerability and other consequences which include long-term physical and mental health impacts and costs to individuals and society in services and lost employment days.
The UN Secretary General also opined that violence against women is also linked to politics because it is tied to the issue of power and control in our societies, stressing: « We live in a male-dominated world where women are made vulnerable to violence through multiple ways that keep them unequal. »
UNSG Guterres observed that when family laws which govern inheritance, custody and divorce discriminate against women, or when societies narrow women’s access to financial resources and credit, they impede a woman’s ability to leave abusive situations.
« When institutions fail to believe victims, allow impunity, or neglect to put in place policies of protection, they send a strong signal that condones and enables violence, » he emphasized.
According to him, in the past year the world has seen a growing wave of sexual harassment being experienced by almost all women at some point in their lives.
« No space is immune. It is rampant across institutions, private and public, including our very own. This is by no means a new issue, but the increasing public disclosure by women from all regions and all walks of life is bringing the magnitude of the problem to light, » he added.
Guterres noted that the implementation of the 16 Days of Activism, which is an effort to uncover society’s shame, shows the galvanizing power of women’s movements to drive the action and awareness needed to eliminate harassment and violence everywhere.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is a global campaign originating from the first women’s global leadership institute dedicated to ending gender based violence. It focuses on strategies by groups, organizations and governments around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.
The 2018 campaign is being run under the global theme: « End Gender Based Violence in the World of Work and national theme: « End Gender Based Violence in Work Places, Schools and Communities: Take Action, Report it and Promote a Liberia Free of Violence ».
The program on Monday started with a grand parade led by President George Weah and First Lady Clar Marie Weah and an array of government officials, including Foreign Minister Gbehzongar Findley and Senator Peter Coleman.
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