Men leaders unite against violence in Ukraine
Opening the event, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine Jeremy Hartley said «In 2009 International Women's Day is celebrated by the United Nations under the theme, "Women and Men: United to End Violence against Women". Violence against women is an issue that cannot wait. A brief look at the statistics makes it clear. At least one out of every three women is likely to be beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime.” “That is why UN Secretary General has launched his multiyear campaign “Unite to End Violence against Women” – he added. Deputy Minister for Family, Youth and Sport of Ukraine Rostyslav Karandeev stated that in line with the UN Secretary General statement, several public and international organizations requested to conduct a national campaign “Stop Violence!” focused on fighting domestic and family violence. He continued that the “Stop Violence!” Organizational Committee called on Ukrainian men leaders to unite in a national network to fight violence against women. Addressing the participants, Mykola Tomenko emphasized that Ukrainian men have to take acts to overcome this flow of violence in families and against women. “We, Ukrainian men leaders, can make a difference in our society and have to unite our efforts to address this dire phenomenon. We have to take responsibility for women, children and our families. Violence against women and children is a challenge for the whole society. Society should stop ignoring and concealing this problem. We are able to countervail it», - he said. The members of the Network plan to involve to the campaign as many activists as possible to prevent and stop domestic violence. In the framework of the campaign, a series of outreach events will be conducted to raise awareness on what people can do to prevent and address domestic violence, and to explain how women and children can be protected. The event was initiated by the Equal Opportunities and Women's Rights Programme in Ukraine.
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