This article was last updated on May 27, 2022
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As the yesterday’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was globally marked, the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Forest Whitaker, called for protection of women, urging relevant stakeholders to end violence against women including girls.
In his special note to Youth Peacemaker Network (YPN) members, Whitaker, also founder and CEO for Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), said his call serves as a respond to the fact that girls and women are subjected to rape, physical abuse and other forms of violence around the world.
“The significance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is to highlight both the scale of this problem, and also find ways to prevent it,” he said.
He urged Youth Peacemakers to take the fight seriously, saying it is a great opportunity to speak out about the violence.
“I thought it would be a timely opportunity for me to raise with you all the reality of violence affecting girls and women around the world, and learn from you what you think we can do together to protect women around the world.”
“Dear YPN Members,
Greetings! I hope that each and every one of you is doing well. My thoughts remain with all of you, and the work that we have done together so far in South Sudan, Mexico and Uganda. We have covered a lot of issues which affect peace and conflict in our lives, and yet, we still have a lot of work to do together. One issue that remains a serious concern of mine is violence against women.”
The Ambassador quotes the UN as saying violence against women and girls is one of the most widespreadviolations of human rights. This ensues as a result of both social, legal, and political structures that are discriminatory against women.
He stressed that even today – at the end of the year 2014 – women’s equality and security in many parts of the world continues to be a serious problem. The UN Women report the following:
– Violence against women impacts on, and impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, combating HIV/AIDS, and peace and security;
– Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential;
– Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic. Up to 70 per cent of women experience violence in their lifetime.
The Goodwill Ambassador stated, “As we continue our journey working together, let’s bear in mind that we need to do whatever we can, as peace-builders and community leaders, to not only prevent violence against girls and women through education and humanitarian efforts, but also to stand up against all forms of discrimination against girls and women in politics, economics and cultural practices.”
“Women help raise families and help communities develop. Without their safety and well-being, none of us can truly thrive. So what can we do as WPDI peace-builders to eliminate violence against women? I would love to hear your ideas!
Peace and Light, “he concluded his note to Youth Peacemaker Network members.
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