Sixteen days is the duration for the campaign to put a halt to violence against women. The campaign was launched yesterday November 25 in Yaounde by the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa in collaboration with development partners. Flanked by the Ministers of Youth Affairs, Adoum Garoua, Social Affairs, Catherine Bakang Mbock and the Resident Representative of the UN System in Cameroon, Thierry Mertens, Mrs. Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa challenged all to build a Cameroon free of violence against women and full of harmony, peace and mutual respect for one another. She encouraged the entire community to embrace dialogue and shun acts of violence against women and the girl child. To succeed in all of these, Marie Thérèse Abena Ondoa said it requires the joint efforts of all.
Placed under the theme “Cameroon and the International Community: Participative Involvement and Synergy to Fight Violence Against Women and Girls,” the 16-day campaign is aimed at making the public understand that violence against women is a major public health problem and a violation of human rights. Divisional officers, parliamentarians, associations and other stakeholders have been requested to sensitize women and men alike on acts of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual or mental harm to women.
Thierry Mertens, read the message of the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon on the occasion. It laid emphasis on the campaign “Unite to End Violence Against Women.” It said business communities can play a role by developing projects to provide direct financial support to organisations working to end violence and embracing the principles of corporate social responsibility. It added that efforts have been made through media outlets highlighting cases of the so-called “honour-killings”, trafficking of girls and sexual violence in conflicts, and are raising awareness about the benefits to society of empowering women.
As of November, the data base of the UN on the extent, nature and consequences of violence against women has registered more than 100 reports from governments. However, Ban Ki-Moon said more still needs to be done. In homes, schools, offices, refugee camps and conflict situations, the corporate sector can help prevent the many forms of violence that women and girls continue to face. The Resident Representative of UNIFEM, Gorreti Ndu Wayo also presented the speech of its Executive Director, Michelle Bachelet which encouraged respect for women and zero tolerance for violence.
