Mogherini on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: there can be no room for complacency

November 25, 2016
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“Each time we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we acknowledge a failure of our societies. Women and girls are targeted – at home, in their communities or at their working place – all over the world,” said the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), stressing that policy-makers bear the greatest responsibility to protect women and raise awareness and that “there can be no room for complacency.”
 
“The European Union has put forward targeted projects all around the world, including through the new EU Gender Action Plan 2016-2020, and within our borders. For instance, we are supporting young women who say “no” to forced marriage, and we are working with families and local leaders who renounce female genital mutilation. We are helping to spread the message that violence against women is a sign of weakness for men, not of strength,” said Mogherini.
 
“Each and every word should be chosen carefully when gender-based violence is concerned, and there should be no other word to describe the perpetrators than “criminals.” Criminals who deprive girls and women of their right to study, to work, to choose their partner or to leave him, criminals who deprive them from their freedom,” concluded the High Representative. 
 
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EU Neighbourhood Info Centre – Gender issues
 
 

Photo : European Union