United Nations, November 21st : .The UN Headquarters in New York released the impact report for the Spotlight Initiative.
This is the largest global targeted initiative to eliminate all forms of violence against girls and women.Despite Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns, 650,000 girls and women were offered gender-based violence services by the UN/EU program.
This joint UN/EU program aims to eradicate what’s arguably one of most widespread human rights violations.
This report details how the partners quickly adjusted their programs in response to violence against girls and women, despite ongoing global problems.
Sima Bahous (Executive Director, UN Women), stated that “Covid-19 continues exacerbate violence towards women and girls within a context of sustained, new backlash against women’s rights globally.”
She stated that “now more than ever, we need concentrated actions to protect the gains and guard against reverses.”
According to the report, in addition to increasing services for the pandemic period, the program helped civil society organizations to quickly adapt to changing environments and strengthen online services such as hotlines and telecounselling.
The report stated that $146 million had been allocated so far to help grassroots and local organizations.
It added that 880,000 boys and men were also educated about positive masculinity and respectful relationships with their families, conflict resolution, and parenting.
Henrietta Fore (Executive Director, UN Children’s Fund) reported on some activities around the world.
We are working closely with media partners and community organizations in Malawi to increase awareness of young men, educators and youth.Fore spoke via video link to reporters about his efforts in increasing reporting and providing women and girls with more efficient support.
Achim Steiner (head of UN Development Programme) said via videolink that strong legal and strategic frameworks are not enough to end gender-based violence.However, they “are essential for making a dent” in the global problem.
The UN and the EU have collaborated since 2017 in order to empower and promote women’s rights worldwide.
Spotlight Initiative, a program worth $564 million, invests in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
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