Ashgabat, 25 November 2023 – The UN Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Development Partners Coordination Group joined the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, marked annually on November 25th. In solidarity with the international community, the UN Turkmenistan announced the launch of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” in Turkmenistan, a campaign aimed at raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and fostering collective action to end gender-based violence, which will continue until 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
The advocacy event served as a platform that brought together representatives of international organizations, UN Agencies, CSOs and young people dedicated to the cause of eliminating gender-based violence. They convened to share insights and emphasize the importance of strengthening a multi-sectoral approach to measuring progress in ending gender-based violence and achieving gender equality. In addition, the advocacy event contributed to strengthening partnerships and collaboration between stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 5.
“Today, we stand together committed to breaking the silence, dismantling the barriers, and fostering an environment where every woman can live free from the threat of violence. Together, we must challenge the social norms that perpetuate violence and dismantle systemic inequalities. Only through our collective actions, advocacy, and unwavering commitment, we can create a community where every woman and girl can live without fear and achieve her dreams” highlighted Mr. Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator.
H.E. Beata Peksa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the European Union, Co-Chair of the Development Partners Coordination Group with focus on Gender underlined that “the European Union Delegation to Turkmenistan stands firmly in support of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” and reaffirms commitment to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. Prevention is paramount, and through collaboration with our partners, we work towards fostering a culture of respect, equality, and empowerment. By prioritizing awareness and education, we strive to create a community where women and girls are free from the scourge of violence. Together, we envision a future where no one is a victim of gender-based violence”.
Ms. Ayna Seyitliyeva, Head of UNFPA Office in Turkmenistan, Co-Chair of the Development Partners Coordination Group with focus on Gender emphasized “Our collective commitment takes on a profound significance and makes us closer step by step to make a positive change for women and girls to prevent and response to gender-based violence. Central to this change is the fundamental concept of bodily autonomy, recognizing each person’s right to control their own body, free from coercion or violence in the family, at the workplace, in public spaces and online. Our work in Turkmenistan is rooted in the understanding that bodily autonomy is an essential component of a life lived with dignity. It encompasses the right to make decisions about one’s own body, health and future free from violence and coercion”.
The advocacy event concluded with an Open Mic session, which amplified diverse voices and perspectives in the ongoing conversations about gender-based violence and urging everyone to take tangible steps in their communities to combat gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect and equality.
Background
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence against women and girls commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day, indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. Under the leadership of the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative (UNiTE), calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to end violence against women and girls once and for all. Launched in 2008, UNiTE is a multi-year advocacy effort aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls around the world. In 2023, the UNiTE campaign theme is “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls” and will focus on the importance of financing different prevention strategies to stop violence from occurring in the first place.
Gender equality issues are reflected in all national programmes of Turkmenistan that are directed to further integration of women and girls into the socio-economic and cultural development of the country. Turkmenistan has joined major international commitments in the field of gender equality, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (in 1996), its Optional Protocol (in 2009), and the Sustainable Development Goals until 2030. The country completed and published the results of its first Health and Status of a Woman in the Family in Turkmenistan. Road Map following the recommendations of the survey was developed in November 2022.
Read about:
Health and Status of a Women in the Family in Turkmenistan
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