Ahead of International Day of the Girl Child, UN urges end to violence against women, girls
The United Nations has paid tribute to the almost one billion young and adolescent girls living around the world as many of them continue to face daily challenges to their development and overall diminished potential due to the enduring scourge of gender discrimination and violence.
“All over the world, an alarming number of adolescent girls are assaulted, beaten, raped, mutilated and even murdered,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today in his message marking the third annual International Day of the Girl Child.
“The threat of violence at the hands of family members, partners, teachers and peers grossly violates their rights, diminishes their power and suppresses their potential,” continued Mr. Ban, who observed that adolescent girls, in particular, faced “multiple deprivations” such as unequal access to education, sexual and reproductive health services and social and economic resources.
“Girls are subjected to discriminatory social norms and harmful practices – such as female genital mutilation – that perpetuate a cycle of violence. A culture of impunity allows violence against adolescent girls to continue unabated,” he added. Read more
2014 International Day of the Girl Child
UNICEF and its partners in all regions of the world are supporting investment in and empowerment of adolescent girls and the prevention and elimination of the various forms of violence they experience. Countries are exploring ways to better support families in positive parenting and effective communication for their adolescent girls, helping them manage risks and challenges, changing attitudes and social norms that encourage violence and discrimination against girls, implementing protective laws and policies, carrying out data collection and research, undertaking education and empowerment programmes, and taking direct action to address violence against girls. Learn more
Song of violence-free scenario for girl child unveiled
The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) Friday unveiled a song presenting a violence-free scenario for girls on the eve of the international day of the girl child.
"Baap Wali Baat" is an anthem of their "End Violence" campaign which talks to men of different age groups and invites them to follow a role model and do everything possible to ensure their daughters get education, said a statement. Read more
Baap Wali Baat [Video]
The "Baap Wali Baat" is a part of the #ItStartsWithMe campaign by UNICEF India and has been created to empower people to educate their daughters. It is time to #ENDviolence against children, including child marriage. Watch now
What is your church or small group doing to end violence against women and girls and to promote their education? You can make a difference!Photo: UNICEF/BANA2013-01033/Shafiqul Alam Kiron
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