UN Launches A New Initiative to Combat Violence against Women

To mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th, a new initiative called Network of Men Leaders was launched Tuesday by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. It brings together current and former politicians, activists, religious and community figures to combat the global problem of violence against women. CRI's correspondent, Shen Ting, filed the report.

As part of the "Unite to End Violence against Women" campaign launched by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon last year, the Network of Men Leaders aims to support the longstanding efforts of women and civil society organizations worldwide to end violence.

The network also helps raise public awareness and advocates for adequate laws in the campaign to end violence against women.

Ban Ki-moon, who delivered a speech at the launching ceremony, said 70 per cent of women experience some form of physical or sexual violence from men during their lives, mostly from their husbands, partners or someone they know.

"As I launch this network, I call on men and boys everywhere to join us. Break the silence. When you witness violence against women and girls, do not sit back. Act. Advocate. Unite to change the practices and attitudes that incite, perpetrate and condone this violence. Violence against women and girls will not be eradicated until all of us – men and boys – refuse to tolerate it."

Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol is a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Development Fund for Women. She says she thinks highly of the new initiative and believes it will help make the campaign to end the violence against women more inclusive and balanced.

"For one thing, this network will provide us with a means to reach out to a wider target group. But perhaps more importantly, the focus on men and boys will reshape the basic architecture of the campaign into a more inclusive and, therefore, a more balanced one."

Ghida Anani from Lebanon works with an organization concerned with combating violence against and the exploitation of women. She says she believes men are not only part of the problem, but also crucial to solving it.

"In the Arab region, men dominate the public and private spheres, so working with men and boys is strategically critical if we want to begin to make headway in reversing the scourge of violence against women and girls in Arab countries."

On the same day, Ban Ki-moon also announced new grants for projects to be awarded this year by the UN Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence against Women. The grants will provide $10.5 million for 13 initiatives in 18 countries and territories.

Shen Ting, CRI news, UN headquarters in New York.