Collective Effort Crucial to Curb Gender-Based Violence
As the world celebrates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2015, the United States of America today said it is committed to tackling the issues on gender-based violence.
In his press statement in Washington DC, US Secretary of State John Kerry said addressing the issue on gender-based violence include strengthening the rule of law, extending a hand to survivors, and working to change outdated attitudes about women and girls.
At present, Secretary Kerry said the US is working with global partners to eradicate conflict-related sexual violence. In fact, the US welcomes a new G7 report highlighting the power of collective action.
Gender-Based Violence Is a Global Problem
According to Secretary Kerry, gender-based violence is a global issue. In fact, it is a problem in every country around the globe, including the United States.
“One in three women around the world will experience gender-based violence in her lifetime.” – Secretary Kerry
Also, gender based-violence is worse for older women, women with disabilities, transgender women and women in marginalized communities, the reality is even worse.
If not addressed, the problem of violence against women comes at a terrible cost, not only for women, but for families, communities, economies, and countries the world over.
Secretary Kerry: Each and Every One of Us Can Do Something to End Gender-Based Violence
Secretary Kerry stressed that a collective effort can be effective to address the problem of gender-based problem.
“The bottom line is that we do this work every day, 365 days a year.” – Secretary Kerry
He underlined that gender is never a justification for violence.
Us on the Mission to Help Women and Girls in Distress
The US responds to the link between violence and HIV/AIDS as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), stemming the tide of trafficking in persons, responding to humanitarian crises, providing training to law enforcement and judges, or engaging with civil society, we factor in the concerns of women and seek ways to provide support to survivors and activists working to address violence.
In addition, the State Department supports efforts to help local governments investigate and prosecute crimes of gender-based violence; provide legal and psychological services to survivors; support prevention efforts by educating communities and engaging with critical stakeholders including men, boys and religious leaders; and support capacity-building to enhance the ability of the media and civil society to address these issues.
The US also works with the private sector to identify creative and innovative programs to prevent and respond to gender based violence.
The US works to create opportunities through investing in education to entrepreneurship that will help women and girls overcome barriers and empower them to be less vulnerable to violence, exploitation, brutality, and abuse.
Violence Against Women And Girls A Global Epidemic
Violence against women and girls is a global issue. The problem crosses every social and economic class, ethnicity, race, religion, and education level, and transcends international borders.
In addition, the violence can be a form of early and forced marriages, sexual violence, and traditional harmful practices, among others.
Girls Still Vulnerable In Society
When many of the world’s 850 million girls go to sleep every night, they will dream about futures that sadly and tragically are nearly impossible for them to achieve.
In too many countries, the promise of the next generation of girls is at risk.
In addition, in some communities the contributions of girls are not valued, their well-being is not protected, and their aspirations are not taken seriously.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 days Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence is an opportunity to renew the commitment to free women and girls from the nightmare of violence.
