Doha: HE Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, emphasized that every major global crisis, including climate change, conflicts, and poverty, is intertwined with violence against women and girls. Her remarks were made during a press conference that showcased the report “Beyond Progress: Consolidating Gains to End Violence against Women and Girls.” This report was unveiled as part of the closing events of the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Deputy Secretary-General pointed out the significance of the “Spotlight” initiative, which was responsible for preparing and publishing the report. She stated, “The 2030 Agenda and the commitments of the Doha Declaration cannot be achieved without the full participation of women and girls.” The initiative aims to bolster protection from violence and empower women by aiding governments in crafting gender-sensitive laws, policies, and institutions.
She further explained that the initiative concentrates on preventing violence, offering high-quality services to survivors, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, with leadership from civil society. This multifaceted approach is projected to prevent violence against 21 million women and girls by the end of the year.
The Deputy Secretary-General highlighted that the newly published report illustrates the potential of collaborative work across various sectors and institutions. She noted that during its first phase, the Spotlight Initiative succeeded in more than 25 countries, leading to the signing or strengthening of over 540 laws and policies designed to protect women and girls’ rights. Furthermore, nearly 8 million young people have engaged in programs promoting equality and respect, and over 380 million individuals have been reached through campaigns challenging violence and discrimination. Notably, conviction rates for gender-based violence have doubled in 13 countries.
She stressed the importance of understanding the human stories behind the statistics to fully grasp the impact on individuals’ lives. The Deputy Secretary-General acknowledged governmental efforts in supporting the initiative, stating, “There are millions still living in fear and suffering… that’s why our work cannot stop.”
She concluded by emphasizing the necessity of regional efforts across Africa to further advance this work, highlighting that partnerships are crucial for building and expanding upon successes.