ZONIN1821 Group’s Post

👉 Local self-governments Can Make a Significant Contribution to Preventing Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women Today marks 2 weeks since the conference “Gender-Responsible Local Governments: Local Approaches and Development Strategies in Service of Preventing Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women” took place in Jahorina, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Violence against women and gender inequality in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) remain urgent problems that affect the basic rights, safety, and dignity of countless women. Addressing gender-based violence is essential to creating a society where women can live free from fear, fully participate in their communities, and have equal access to opportunities. This conference underscored the critical need for action at all levels of government to combat violence against women and promote gender equality. Local self-governments have a unique opportunity to make a difference by implementing gender-responsive policies and supporting community initiatives. Jointly organized by the Association of Municipalities and Cities of Republika Srpska (AMC RS), the Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AMC FBiH), and SALAR, the conference served as a platform to raise awareness about gender-responsive governance. Participants shared experiences, best practices, and success stories from local gender action plans and development strategies, emphasizing the importance of tackling these pressing social issues together. Swedish perspectives on gender equality mainstreaming were also shared by Josefin Hagström, Gender Strategist in Jönköping Municipality. ℹ️ Read more about the conference, and explore examples of how the municipalities have addressed the issue: https://lnkd.in/dEAfGA_X ______________________________________ 🔎 What is SALAR Internationals role in this initiative? This activity is part of the Sida and SDC funded project “Strengthening the Associations of Municipalities and Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina”. Collaboration between SALAR and AMC RS and AMC FBiH  started in 2017, and since then, both AMCs worked on strengthening their internal organisations and increasing member engagement with support from SALAR International. One area which the associations have addressed is gender equality, where the AMCs facilitated capacity and practice development for implementing SDG 5 on local level through an informal Gender Network with representatives from the municipalities. #salarinternational In the picture: Representatives from the municipalities and the Gender Network of AMC RS and AMC FBiH

COL in support of 16 Days of Activism The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day to End Violence Against Women and ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day. This global campaign emphasises the urgent need to address the rising violence against women and calls for actionable commitments to break the cycle. This year’s theme is “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to end violence against women.” Nearly 30 years ago, 189 countries gathered in Beijing for the Fourth World Conference on Women and adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This progressive blueprint envisions a world where women and girls have equal rights and freedoms. It emphasises the need for collective efforts, including partnerships with men and boys, to achieve gender equality. Despite progress since then, we are still far from achieving gender equality and eliminating gender-based violence. Follow the link 👇 to read more on this initiative: https://lnkd.in/gXfBiXfJ

The Role of the Men in the Fight Against Gender Based Violence(GBV) in society. The fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a collective effort that requires the involvement of people of all genders. While women are disproportionately affected by GBV, men play a crucial role in addressing this issue. Let us get a review on some of the key ways in which men can contribute to the fight against GBV in society. Education and Awareness: Men can help by educating themselves through focused group discussions about GBV, through understanding the root causes, consequences and different forms of violence against women. By actively engaging in such conversations and sharing their knowledge, men can contribute to changing societal attitudes and behaviors. Challenging stereotypes and Toxic Masculinity: Men can challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes the perpetuate GBV such as early/forced marriage, physical assault, rape, etc. This involves questioning and addressing toxic masculinity, which promotes aggression, control, and dominance. By promoting a healthy and respectful masculinity, men can create a positive impact on their peers and younger generations. Engaging in Policy and Advocacy: Men can engage in policy and advocacy efforts aimed at combating GBV. This can involve supporting organizations working to prevent violence, lobbying for comprehensive legal frameworks, and pushing for gender equality initiatives. Men's voices and perspectives are valuable in shaping policies that address GBV effectively. Supporting Survivors: Men can provide support to survivors of GBV by offering empathy, listening without judgment and believing their experiences. Additionally, men can help create safe spaces for survivors to share their stories and access support services. It's important to remember that supporting survivors should be done without perpetuating the narrative that men are the saviors, but rather as allies and advocates. Being Active Bystanders: Men can intervene when they witness instances of GBV or disrespectful behavior towards women. This can involve speaking up, offering support to the survivor, or seeking help from authorities or support services. By taking a stand against violence, men can help create safer environments and send a powerful message that such behavior is not tolerated. Therefore, by actively engaging in these ways, men can contribute significantly to the fight against GBV. It's important to acknowledge that men's involvement should be driven by a genuine commitment to gender equality and the belief that ending violence against women benefits everyone in society. We denounce those negative behaviors of men towards women, most especially in situations where men take advantage of women's vulnerability. Oftentimes, most women share their ordeals of rape, physical assault perpetrated by men at hospitals, workplaces and their respective neighborhoods which is pathetic. Women's rights are human rights.

"Uniting Against Gender-Based Violence: Key Frameworks Guiding Media's Role in Gender Equality" As we conclude the #16DaysofActivism #UNiTEcampaign Against violence against women and girls (VAWG) , VIG reflects on the immense power of media in shaping societal norms and advancing gender equality. 📺 ✨ Throughout this campaign, we’ve highlighted the critical role the media must play in eliminating violence against women and girls. To support this, several international and regional frameworks offer a roadmap for how the media can help prevent gender-based violence and promote gender equality. Here are some key frameworks that guide media’s role in this mission: ◾ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Calls for effective measures to ensure that the media promotes respect for women, eliminating gender stereotypes and addressing all forms of gender-based violence, including online violence. 🚺💻 ◾ Beijing Platform for Action (1995) Acknowledges the media’s potential to advance gender equality and urges the media to increase women’s participation in decision-making and promote non-stereotyped portrayals of women. 🗣️👩💼 ◾ Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women (Belem do Para, 1994) Calls on media outlets to develop guidelines that ensure a dignified portrayal of women and contribute to eradicating all forms of violence against them. 📸👩 ◾ Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol, 2003) Urges states to eliminate gender stereotypes in the media that perpetuate discrimination and violence against women and promote the dignified representation of women. 🌍💜 ◾ ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence against Women (2015) Advocates for the use of media in awareness-raising campaigns to challenge harmful social norms and foster respectful, non-violent relationships, helping create lasting cultural change. 📢🤝 These frameworks remind us that while progress has been made, there is still much to do. As we near the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, VIG remains committed to the fight for a world where women and girls are free from violence and fully empowered. The media is a critical tool in this journey, and together, we can ensure it becomes a positive force for change. 💪🌟 Let’s continue this conversation and work towards a more equitable and safe world for all. 🌍💜 #EndGBV #16DaysOfActivism #GenderEquality #EmpowerWomen #StopViolenceAgainstWomen #MediaForChange #RespectWomen #BeijingPlatformForAction #CEDAW #IstanbulConvention #MaputoProtocol #GenderStereotypes #EqualRepresentation #VIG4Equality ✊💜📢

Breaking the Chains: A Call to Action for Gender Equality The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness and challenge the root causes of violence against women and girls. This year, as we join the global movement, we must renew our commitment to breaking the chains of gender-based violence and creating a world where everyone can live free from fear and harm. Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that affects women and girls worldwide. It takes many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse. This violence not only causes immense suffering but also hinders progress and development. It is a violation of human rights and a fundamental injustice. To address this crisis, we must adopt a multi-faceted approach. We call on individuals, communities, and governments to: * Challenge harmful social norms and stereotypes: Promote gender equality and empower women and girls to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. * Strengthen legal frameworks and enforce laws: Ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable and that victims have access to justice and support services. * Invest in prevention programs: Educate communities about healthy relationships, consent, and respect. Empower young people to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors. * Break the silence: Encourage survivors to speak out and seek support. Create safe spaces for survivors to share their stories and heal. * Support women's organizations and activists: Donate to women's organizations, volunteer your time, and advocate for policies that support gender equality. By working together, we can create a world where everyone can live free from fear and violence. Let us use this 16 Days of Activism to ignite a movement for change.

Despite the wise initiatives and great efforts being made but the impact of Women Empowerment worldwide is still slow. The statistics show that the progress ratios are very low within the developing countries. I think - it would be insightful to share with you some remarks about how important it is to support and participate in the UN initiatives on three items as follows: ### 1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Goal 5 SDGs consist of 17 goals that address global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Goal 5 specifically aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It recognizes that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Key Targets of Goal 5: - End Discrimination. - End Violence including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. - Ensure Participation and Equal Opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. - Universal Access to Health. - Recognize Unpaid Care Work: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social protection policies. ### 2. UN Women UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It works globally to support the formation and implementation of laws, policies, and services that uphold women's rights and gender equality. Key Functions of UN Women: - Advocacy for gender equality and the empowerment of women in international, regional, and national forums. - Policy Development provides support to governments in developing and implementing gender-responsive policies and laws. - UN Women conducts research and produces reports to highlight issues facing women and girls, thereby providing evidence for advocacy and policy change. - The organization supports programs and initiatives that empower women economically, socially, and politically, particularly in areas like education, health, and leadership. ### 3. HeForShe HeForShe is a solidarity campaign initiated by UN Women in 2014. It aims to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change for the achievement of gender equality and women’s rights. Objectives of HeForShe: - Encourage men and boys to take a stand against gender-based discrimination and violence and to support gender equality in their communities. - Raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and the roles that men can play in promoting it. - Inspire individuals to commit to specific actions that support gender equality and track their progress. ### Conclusion The pursuit of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is critical to achieving sustainable development. Progress in these areas not only benefits women and girls but also contributes to the overall health and prosperity of societies globally.

On October 3, 1995, **the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women** culminated in the adoption of the *Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action*, a landmark agreement that sought to advance gender equality and empower women globally. This historical event took place in Beijing, China, and marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for women's rights. The conference brought together over 4,750 delegates from 181 countries, including heads of state, activists, and advocates, to address pressing issues affecting women worldwide. Discussions focused on a wide range of topics, including education, health care, economic empowerment, violence against women, and political participation. The platform highlighted the need for governments to create policies that ensure women’s full and equal participation in all aspects of society. The Beijing Declaration set out a comprehensive agenda that recognized women’s rights as human rights and emphasized that gender equality is essential for sustainable development. It called for a complete transformation of the structures that perpetuate discrimination, advocating for equal access to education, health services, and economic opportunities. One of the key results of the conference was the recognition of the importance of grassroots activism. Many women from various backgrounds shared their stories and experiences, emphasizing the need for intersectionality in the fight for gender equality. This engagement inspired numerous local and global initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by women across different cultures and societies. The adoption of the *Beijing Platform for Action* became a catalyst for change and generated a surge of activism in the years that followed. It led to the establishment of monitoring mechanisms and reports assessing the progress made toward achieving gender equality. Governments were encouraged to formulate policies and programs that aligned with the principles outlined in the declaration, promoting accountability and action. While obstacles remain, particularly in overcoming societal norms and systemic barriers, the 1995 conference laid the groundwork for substantial advancements in women’s rights over the subsequent decades. It sparked initiatives that have resulted in increased female representation in politics, improved access to education for girls, and global campaigns against gender-based violence. As we reflect on this significant event in women's empowerment history from October 3, we celebrate the collective efforts of women and advocates who have fought for equality and justice. Their resilience and commitment have paved the way for transformative change in society. **What steps do you think are crucial today to continue advancing women’s rights and ensuring that their voices are heard in all areas of life?** #BeijingDeclaration #WomensEmpowerment #GenderEquality #UNWomen #SocialChange #Activism #Legacy

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – and as 16 Days of Activism commences– we reaffirm our call for the eradication of gender-based violence in ALL its forms. As we reflect on this day, we cannot ignore the women and girls around us and around the world whose suffering continues to intensify among violent acts of devastation and deprivation. Women in conflict zones face unique and disproportionate threats of gender-based violence. I stand firm in my belief: We are not safe until all women are safe, and we are not free from gendered violence until all women are free from all forms of violence. The fight continues. 16 days of Activism commence now,I urge those taking part to ensure that ALL women’s voices are heard. It is vital that we stand in solidarity with women worldwide, regardless of race, religion, or politics, amplifying their struggles and advocating for a world where every woman is free from violence. It is imperative that we all play our part in the fight against gender-based violence, recognising that no effort is too small or insignificant ➡️ 📍Become a vocal advocate for gender equality Speak out against gender inequality and gender-based violence. Use your platform, whether through social media, community outreach, or in personal conversations. 📍Challenge gender roles & stereotypes Encourage conversations that challenge rigid definitions of masculinity and femininity. 📍Stand in solidarity with women around you This year, as we celebrated women in construction and trade to the experiences of women and girls,it is crucial to highlight the experiences of women who are often marginalised in discussions of violence. Amplifying our voice is vital in the global conversation to end gender-based violence. Women Supporting Women 🌸💚

A Reflection on Gender-Based Violence in the Extractive Industry!!! This week, I took a moment to pause and reflect on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) that women continue to endure, particularly in the context of our homes and communities. For many women in the extractive industry, the challenges they face are compounded by the lack of support from their male spouses, who often fail to recognize the sacrifices and contributions these women make—not only in the industry but also within their families and society at large. COUNTING LOSSES It is disheartening to see how women’s efforts and losses are often measured unfairly. When a woman experiences setbacks in the extractive industry, the family unit is quick to count these as failures, overlooking the many sacrifices she makes. Yet, the same scrutiny is rarely applied to the losses men face in their professional engagements outside the industry. This imbalance perpetuates cycles of blame and emotional harm that hinder the empowerment and stability of women A CALL TO ACTION: EA AGAINST GBV As we reflect on the progress made since the +30 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, East Africa must renew its commitment to ending gender-based violence in all its forms. This includes addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the extractive sector and fostering environments where they are supported, valued, and empowered. WHAT EAST AFRICA CAN DO: Recognize Women’s Contributions: Acknowledge the immense value women bring to their families, communities, and industries, and ensure their efforts are equally celebrated. Promote Shared Responsibility: Encourage men to stand as allies and share in the burdens and responsibilities of family and professional life. STRENGTHENING SUPPORT SYSTEM Establish counseling, legal aid, and community support services for women experiencing GBV in the extractive industry. Implement Policy Change: Align national policies with the Beijing +30 Agenda to address GBV, especially in male-dominated sectors like mining. FOSTERING REGIONAL COLLABORATION Work as a region to adopt unified strategies for tackling GBV, creating a safe and equitable environment for all women. The Beijing +30 Agenda calls for the elimination of violence against women as a fundamental step toward achieving gender equality. East Africa has the potential to lead by example, demonstrating that economic growth and social justice can coexist. A MESSAGE OF HOPE Let us collectively work toward a future where women in the extractive industry—and in every sector—are free from violence, celebrated for their contributions, and supported by their families and communities. Ending GBV is not just a goal; it is a necessity for a more inclusive and prosperous East Africa. Together, we can make this vision a reality. #EndGBV #BeijingPlus30 #EmpowerWomen #EastAfricaUnited

16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women (16HAKTP) is an annual international campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day. The campaign was started in 1991 by the Women's Global Leadership Institute, an initiative of the Center for Women's Global Leadership. The dates were chosen for their historical and symbolic relevance, including: 25 November: Commemorating the assassination of the Mirabal sisters, Dominican activists who fought the Trujillo regime. Based on reflections and discussions from the Nobar In The Time of the Butterflies event in the framework of 16HAKTP (16 days of anti-violence against women), there are several views on policies towards women in Jember: - Involvement of Women in Strategic Positions Policies in Jember still show inequality in the representation of women in strategic positions. For example, the number of women holding legislative positions is still very low, not reaching the target of 30% quota for women's representation. This reflects cultural and structural challenges in empowering women in politics and decision-making. - Increasing Gender Awareness : Policies that better support gender education and awareness are needed to eradicate stereotypes and discrimination against women. The discussion highlighted that women in Jember, like in many other areas, face barriers in accessing education, technology, and the economy. - Advocacy Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Violence against women in Jember is still a significant issue. Existing policies need to focus more on prevention, protecting victims, and providing access to justice for women who are victims of violence. This requires strengthening cooperation between local governments, advocacy institutions, and the community. - Community-Level Education There is an urgent need to educate the community about the importance of gender equality, respect for women's rights, and the elimination of gender-based violence. This education is expected to be carried out from an early age at home and at school. - Solidarity and Joint Movement The participation of women's communities in Jember needs to be supported through policies that facilitate organizing, training, and joint movements. This can help women become agents of change in their environment. Supported by various communities, organizations, and institutions that care about women's issues: Ahimsa Mahardika, Komnas Perempuan, Stapa Center, Yayasan Prakarsa Swadaya Masyarakat, Peace Leader Jember, WomenMarch, Migrant Care, konde.co, tanoker, Mengayu Indonesia, Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), Fatayat Nahdlatul Ulama, SUAR Indonesia, FAMM Indonesia, Komunitas Perupa Jember (KPJ), kalyanamitra, UIN KHAS Jember, UNEJ Gender Study Center https://lnkd.in/gTn_PwMe