African Development Bank and UN Women Jointly Commemorate International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women

On Monday 05 December 2016, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and UN Women, at Mamoun Beheiry Centre (MBC), jointly commemorated the Orange Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The event was presided over by Dr. Atiyat Mustafa, Director of Unit for VAWG representing the Government of the Sudan, Dr. Abdul Kamara, Resident Representative of the AfDB in Sudan and Ms. Jennet Kem, Country Representative of UN Women in Sudan. The event attracted participants from the Diplomatic Community in Sudan, UN Agencies, Development Partners, the Private Sector, Civil Society, Women and Youth Groups, and the Academia.

Globally, the period 25 November to 10 December is observed as 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The objective is to galvanize action to End Violence Against Women and Girls around the world, with activities and campaigns that raise awareness and highlight the interlinkages between VAWG, HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, and the broader issues of gender equality. This unique collaboration between the AfDB and UN Women is to ensure continued commitment to the principles and values of the 16 days of activism in general, and the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women in particular.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Atiyat underscored the importance of dedicating a day to the campaign to end violence against women globally and particularly in Sudan. She focused on the need for a coordinated approach in combating violence against women. In his statement, Dr. Abdul Kamara, the Bank’s Resident Representative in Sudan, emphasized the fact that violence against women and girls has enormous social and economic costs for individuals, families, communities and societies. It also has the potential to derail potential achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that the event is being organized under the theme ‘Raise Money to End Violence against Women’. He reiterated that the theme is timely considering the funding shortfalls that pose a major challenge confronting the efforts to end VAWG.

In her remarks, Ms. Jennet Kem, the Country Representative for UN Women, underscored that the Orange the World campaign theme has been localized by linking resource mobilization for Education and Health to VAWG. She reiterated that the campaign emphasizes sustainable financing of efforts to end violence against women and girls, which is important for the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  She emphasized the need for a focused and coordinated effort by all development partners on this issue, especially in supporting the efforts of the numerous local institutions and organizations actively addressing the issue in Sudan. Local level efforts and initiatives were vividly illustrated by key women organizations, including Labena Organization and Sudanese Business Women Association. The event also entailed an exhibition by various women and civil society groups, and was graciously entertained by the Chorus Band of the Ahfad University for Women. Prof. Munzoul Assal, the Director of Mamoun Behairy Centre, reiterated the important role played by the Bank-financed projects in bridging the gender gap and ultimately contributing to ending violence against women.