By: Yodit Admasu
African View
Nov 27, 2023
Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women has stated that all stakeholders need to strategies ways to ensure programs aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls are well funded.
The commissioner made the statement while commemorating the launching of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence on 25 November 2023.
In the statement, the Commissioner underlined the continued violence against women and girls that is still evident in conflict affected as well as stable states. She said, “2023 has been marred by the continued fighting and conflict in some parts of the world, including in Africa. Ethiopia is still reeling from the aftermath of the Tigray conflict which resulted in thousands of women becoming victims of sexual and physical violence. The conflict in the Sudan has seen women and girls bearing the brunt of sexual and gender-based violence and sexual exploitation. In other parts of the continent that are not in conflict, women continue to suffer from different forms of violence.”
Commissioner Sallah-Njie further said, “I take this opportunity therefore to call upon member states, development partners and all stakeholders to make more concerted efforts towards ensuring that meaningful investment is made into the fight against gender-based violence. Policies and National Action Plans will remain pieces of paper if they are not backed by the resources required to carry out the programs.”
She stated that empowering women is a vital part of eliminating violence against women that are facing domestic violence. The 16 days activism against gender-based violence, she stated, should be used to urge stakeholders to allocate budget for the cause as it is close to the new fiscal year.
Various international and local organizations are commemorating the 16 days of activism in various ways. The British Council in Addis Ababa has put up orange flags around the compound to this effect.
The United Nations theme for 2023 is Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.
Source: African Union
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