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25.11.2009 16:52
 A campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence” aiming to increase public awareness on gender-based violence was launched today in Yerevan.
The campaign is carried out jointly by Armenian authorities, the UN Resident Coordinator a.i., UNFPA, UNDP, UNDPI, UNHCR, as well as by civil society organizations and media.
Ms. Lala Ghazaryan, the Head of family, women and children issues department within the Armenian Ministry of Labor and Social Issues presented the current challenges and results achieved by the government in the field of combating gender based violence. Also, the message of the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was read out to the audience. “In every country, women and girls continue to be plagued by violence, causing tremendous suffering. Such violence undermines development, generates instability, and makes peace that much harder to achieve. We must demand accountability for the violations, and take concrete steps to end impunity. We must listen to and support the survivors.” UN Secreatary-General, Ban Ki Moon.
Ms. Jina Sargizova, UNFPA National coordinator of “Combating Gender Based Violence in the South Caucasus” project and “16 Days” campaign in Armenia talked about various activities, such as press conferences, public hearings, public service announcements broadcasting, film screenings, roundtable discussions with participation of refugees, rural women and local government representatives, youth and journalists in Yerevan and throughout Armenia. UNFPA is organizing these activities together with governmental and non-governmental partners.
The planned activities focus on cultural and national aspects of violence against women, including domestic violence, trafficking and HIV/AIDS twin pandemics, men’s participation and role in combating gender-based violence and the importance of the youth involvement.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is an international campaign that runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, International Human Rights Day and symbolically links gender violence and human rights issues.
This 16-day period also highlights other significant dates including December 1, World AIDS Day, December 2, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery and December 6, the anniversary of the 1989 “Montreal Massacre”.
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