Head of Delegation of European Union, Ambassador Tom Vens on Saturday said they have joined the women and girls to start the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence that plagues Sierra Leone.
“From today Saturday 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10th December, which is the Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world, but especially in Sierra Leone, where the EU is working with other partners to bring it to an end.”
He said this is a serious challenge in Sierra Leone and as they are now on the campaign, they should not lose sight of their goal and they should make sure that even after the 16 days of campaign they should continue because the elections are round the corner because it is the women, girls and children that are always in harms way.
“A society where women and girls have every right they deserve, and have all the chance to exploit all the opportunities which are there for them, and for others, we need to work towards ending violence against women”
He called on all those who are violating the rights of women and girls to stop and allow them their own say in the homes, the family, at school or wherever they are. Ambassador Tom Vens said the campaign must be robust and every corner of Sierra Leone should know that the women and girls too have their rights and they should not be taken advantage of.
The international campaign originated from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991.
This year, the UNiTE Campaign will mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence under the overarching theme, “Leave No One Behind: End Violence against Women and Girls”— reflecting the core principle of the transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Leave No One Behind: End Violence against Women and Girls” reinforces the UNiTE Campaign’s commitment to a world free from violence for all women and girls around the world, while reaching the most underserved and marginalized, including refugees, migrants, minorities, indigenous peoples, and populations affected by conflict and natural disasters, amongst others, first.
As in previous years, the colour orange will be a key theme unifying all activities, and buildings and landmarks will be lit and decorated in orange to bring global attention to the issue of violence against women and girls.
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Tuesday November 28, 2017.