People march in Kibera slums on November 26, 2013 to mark the start of a
16-day campaign on violence against women. PHOTO | ANTHONY OMUYA
NATION MEDIA GROUP
Tuesday, November 25 marked the International Day for the
Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days
Of Activism Against Gender Violence, during which we are reminded of the
horrific acts against women and girls that take place everyday.
On
that day, the three of us swore never to commit, excuse or remain
silent about violence against women. We encourage all Kenyan men to join
us.
Violence against women and girls takes many forms —
physical, sexual, psychological and economic. Most often, the abuse is
by someone she knows, including a husband or a male relative. Violence
not only affects women, but also children, families and communities. It
is a burden on national economies and a threat to lasting peace and
sustainable development.
The problem of violence is not
unique to Kenya. It is a global scourge. More than one in every three
women has been beaten, coerced into sex or abused. The Kenya Demographic
and Health Survey 2008-09 found that 45 per cent of women aged 15 to 49
have experienced physical or sexual violence.
KILLED EVERY WEEK
In
Australia, one woman is killed every week by a current or former
partner. Such violence is a significant problem in every country and
requires a global response.
It is critical for nations
to share knowledge, experiences, expertise and show political will in
ending violence against women and girls, and to address the attitudes
and behaviours that perpetuate, justify and fail to counter such
violence. Each individual, community and government has a responsibility
to speak out.
The attacks by men against women deemed
to be inappropriately dressed are not in keeping with Kenya’s status as
a regional role model in promoting women’s rights. There is no reason,
no rationalisation, no provocation that can justify a woman being
stripped and beaten. This viiolence against women should be recognised
and condemned.
We applaud Kenya’s leadership, through
institutions, policies and legislation to address gender equality and
women’s empowerment, and congratulate Kenya on joining the HeForShe
Movement and UN Women’s Solidarity Movement For Gender Equality.
Like
Kenya, we believe gender equality should be at the heart of all our
development efforts. We are committed to securing a dedicated goal on
women and girls in the Post-2015 development framework.
The
UK government is working to end sexual violence in conflict and
recognises the importance of empowering and equipping peace support
operations to fulfil their mandate to protect civilians. This year, we
hosted over 151 countries at a global summit to end sexual violence in
conflict. Prime Minister David Cameron also hosted the UK’s first Girl
Summit in July which mobilised efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation,
early and forced marriages.
WOMEN PEACE
Australia’s
Minister for Foreign Affairs is a Champion of the UK’s Preventing
Sexual Violence In Conflict Initiative, and is also actively promoting
the Women Peace and Security agenda at the UN Security Council.
In
October, Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls Natasha Stott
Despoja drew attention to the particular vulnerability of women and
girls in conflict and called for an end to sexual violence.
Canada
is committed to protecting women and girls from violence, and promoting
their human rights, empowerment and well-being. Recently, Canada and
Zambia led a resolution on child, early and forced marriages at the UN
which was co-sponsored by 116 countries. Canada is also at the forefront
of international efforts to address sexual violence against women in
conflict, including committing up to $10 million (Sh890 million) to
support survivors of sexual violence in the Middle East.
Canada
is supporting the Kenyan Federation of Women Lawyers and Equality
Effect to improve access to justice for women and girls who are victims
of sexual violence.
Ultimately, it is about individuals
and the choices they make. Our collective efforts are needed to achieve
profound and lasting change around the world; not just for the benefit
of women and girls but for us all.
Australian High
Commissioner Geoff Tooth, British High Commissioner Christian Turner
and Canadian High Commissioner David Angell
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