22 November 2023 – 10h – 13h / 14h30 – 15h30 – Online – In alignment with the UfM 5th Ministerial Declaration on Strengthening the Role of Women in Society and under the global theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December 2023, “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is organizing a crucial webinar on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
The webinar aims to address the persistent and widespread issue of VAWG in the Euro-Mediterranean region, emphasizing the commitment of UfM Ministers to combat and prevent all forms of violence through comprehensive legal frameworks, improved protection mechanisms, enhanced reporting tools, and increased collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
Applying an intersectional approach, the webinar will explore various forms of discrimination and crisis factors such as disability and climate change. It will also discuss the crucial role of CSOs in the fight against VAWG.
Despite global awareness campaigns, VAWG remains a severe violation of human rights, particularly in the MENA region. The webinar will highlight current alarming statistics, with domestic violence ranking as the second-highest form of violence in the region. The intersectionality of VAWG will be emphasized, recognizing the vulnerabilities faced by women with disabilities and those impacted by crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The event will recognize the link between climate change and VAWG, especially in the Mediterranean region, which is warming 20% faster than the global average. Research indicates that women and girls are more vulnerable to harm during disasters, and climate-induced displacement poses increased risks of gender-based violence.
Objectives of the Webinar: The webinar aims to raise awareness on VAWG, focusing on collaboration between CSOs, public institutions, and first responders. Specific objectives include strengthening the link between civil servants and CSOs, adapting CSO strategies to crises, mainstreaming gender in crisis response policies, and addressing the specific risks faced by women with disabilities.
In the afternoon session, scheduled from 14h30 to 15h30 CET, Mr. Thaker Alzghool, Head Researcher in the Regional Observatory on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), will lead an engaging workshop on the critical subject of “Concrete Initiatives and Strategies for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).”
The importance of focusing on prevention within the context of VAWG is often overlooked. Addressing the root causes and implementing proactive measures are indispensable in creating a society free from violence. This workshop aims to shed light on the often-neglected aspect of prevention, providing participants with valuable insights and good practices into effective strategies and tangible initiatives. By delving into the intricacies of prevention, we aim to empower individuals and communities to foster environments where VAWG is not only condemned but actively prevented.
One key facet to be explored during the workshop is the role of partnerships in effective prevention strategies. Collaboration among various stakeholders, including governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders, is pivotal in creating a comprehensive and sustainable approach to prevent VAWG. By emphasizing the significance of partnerships, the workshop seeks to foster a sense of collective responsibility and cooperation in the fight against VAWG.
Join us in this enlightening session to not only deepen your understanding of prevention strategies but also to actively contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding violence prevention within our communities.
If you are interested in participating in the webinar in the morning and in the workshop in the afternoon, please register here: https://forms.office.com/e/bU4jbWiVxA
