During a recent regional consultation, UN Women emphasized the critical need to invest in and empower women’s rights organizations, asserting this as a key strategy for achieving gender equality. The event, integral to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, featured Beatrice Eyong, UN Women’s Country Representative. Eyong expressed concerns about the lack of significant progress in gender equality initiatives over the past two decades.
“Eradicating gender-based violence demands not only innovative but also proactive solutions,” Eyong stated. “Investing in and supporting women’s rights organizations is vital. These entities possess the necessary expertise, tools, and determination to transform societies into spaces that are safer, fairer, and more just.”
Furthermore, Eyong celebrated the progress made in combating violence against women and girls since the 16 Days campaign began. Yet, she underscored the fact that, despite some historic gains, substantial changes in peace negotiation dynamics and the ongoing impunity for crimes against women and girls still need addressing.
“Particularly in West and Central Africa, the global resistance to gender equality is deeply concerning,” Eyong observed. “This resistance is a coordinated effort that systematically undermines the human rights of women and girls. Ignoring our commitments to end violence against women could lead to enduring, inter-generational consequences, with particularly severe implications for the West Africa region.”
Additionally, research has shown that a strong and independent feminist movement is essential for policy change and for transforming social norms and power relations to end violence against women and girls. In light of this, UN Women and the European Union have initiated the A.C.T. program.
According to a report by the Daily Post, this initiative aims to bolster global and regional advocacy, build coalitions, and drive transformative feminist action to combat violence against women.
Also, Eseme Stuart, the European Union focal person, elaborated on the A.C.T. program. “This Action Coalition is an engaging partnership involving governments, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector, all united in the fight against gender-based violence,” Stuart explained.
Moreover, Stuart added, “Our dedication to the A.C.T. program builds on the achievements of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, with the goal of amplifying our collective efforts to combat gender-based violence.”
The collaboration between UN Women and the EU through the A.C.T. initiative represents a major advancement in the worldwide effort to combat gender-based violence. By empowering women’s rights organizations and encouraging widespread partnerships, this program aims to foster transformative change and secure a safer, more equitable world for women and girls.
Indeed, this initiative mirrors a growing global consciousness about the pressing need to confront gender-based violence, highlighting the effectiveness of international collaborations in driving significant change.
