The Role of men and boys in Ending violence against women
On December 6, 2011, the Permanent Mission of Canada in collaboration with the World YWCA organised a panel discussion on ‘the role of men and boys in ending violence against women’. The discussion was part of the 16-days campaign of activism against gender- based violence. Nyararadayi Gumbonzvanda, World YWCA General Secretary, co moderated with H.E. Elissa Golberg, permanent representative of Canada to the UN in Geneva.
Golberg opened the panel by reminding the history of the École Polytechnique massacre on December 6, 1989, where 14 women were killed by an anti-feminist. This led to the creation of a movement in Canada where men symbolically wear a white ribbon in opposition to violence against women.
“White Ribbon Day is a day during which men commit to end violence against women. Men and boys in their various roles as individuals, community members, leaders, educators, fathers, family members or policy makers have a responsibility and important role to play in promoting gender equality and ending violence against women and girls.
Mr David Bourgoz, delegate to domestic violence, Republic and Canton of Geneva, said “in Switzerland, 1 in 5 women is a victim of physical or sexual violence in her intimate relationships.” He explained how his office is working with different groups of men including police officers and medical personnel.
Mr Peter Prove, Executive Director, Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, stressed that religious leaders have a great responsibility in ending violence against women. Dr Mariangela Simao, Chief Prevention, Vulnerability and Rghts, UNAIDS, explained the different research outcomes on the strong correlation between violence against women (VAW) and HIV and Aids.
“Girls and women have been denied fair access to education, health, employment, property and influence within their own communities. Men still hold many of the key levers of power and therefore have the power to bring about change. This is true also within the family, where fathers in particular, have a key role to play. Their attitudes and actions will influence how both their sons and their daughters behave, think and feel throughout their lives; as violence against women can be handed down from father to son so too can gentleness, fairness and openness.” ‘Because I am a girl’ campaign officer Mr Adam Vink.
Participants from different government missions in Geneva, academics, civil society and various individuals actively participated in the discussions. Different government representatives assured their support for ensuring women’s human right in their respective countries. .
Ms Gumbonzvanda in her concluding remarks pointed out the cost of violation and how to move forward. She also mentioned her aspiration for a better future for the next generation of women.
