National Conference: Gender-based violence key stakeholders to renew commitments to EndVAW

Kabul, 4 December 2016 – Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), UNFPA-the United Nations Population Fund in Kabul came together to renew commitments to End Violence against Women and Girls in Afghanistan as part of the campaign for the 16-days-of-activism in Afghanistan, under the local theme of “Meaningful and Comprehensive Actions by Every Member of the Society to End Violence against Women”.

Worldwide, an estimated 1 in 3 women will experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime.

Gender-based violence is one of the most prevalent human rights abuses. Worldwide, an estimated 1 in 3 women will experience physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. Violence against women and girls is more prevalent in Afghanistan, where 1 in 2 ever married women has experienced physical violence since age 15 (AfDHS, 2015).

Elimination of violence against women and girls requires action at all levels, including the enforcement and reformation of national laws and policies on gender-based violence. Health Sector is considered as the most appropriate entry point in the context of Afghanistan to respond to GBV cases.  On the other hand men and boys have a vital role to play in addressing violence against women and girls.

MoPH and UNFPA organized this one day conference to renew their commitments towards working and investing in elimination of all forms of gender based violence. The conference also aimed to bring together national GBV stakeholders, including Ministry of Women Affairs, the donor community in Kabul, civil society organizations and the media fraternity in an effort to enhance coordination efforts and renew commitments at all levels.

Afghanistan currently has half a million girls that are 12 years old today by 2030 they will be 25. If we help them fulfill their rights and full potential they will be productive adults who will help drag Afghanistan out of poverty. The life trajectories of these girls will be true indicator of the success of the SDGs or the failure thereof.

In Afghanistan 1 in 2 ever married women has experienced physical violence since age 15.