Ending Violence against Women: From Words to Action
Friday 23rd March 2007

(Continued from last edition)

Best practices

*   The Government in collaboration with UNICEF is developing a Women’s Bill which if passed and enforced, will address the issue of VAW

*   The National Assembly Members have developed partnerships with NGOs/CSOs that have built their capacities to address such issues through the National Assembly Select Committees such as the Select Committee on Women and Children. The NAMs have supported the passing and ratification of instruments such as the Protocol on Women.

*   The National Council and Bureau are promoting women’s advancement and in partnership with NGOS/CSOs and is the flag bearer of women’s issues

*   Women’s NGOs such as BAFROW and GAMCOTRAP have engaged in innovative projects and programmes, in collaboration with donor agencies at the national and international levels.

Guiding principles include:

*   Clear policies and laws

*   Strong enforcement mechanisms;

*   Motivated and well-trained personnel;

*   The involvement of multiple sectors; and close collaboration with local women’s groups, civil society organizations, academics and professionals.

*   Clear time lines and benchmarks,

*   Transparent mechanisms for monitoring implementation,

*   Indicators of impact and evaluation,

*   Predictable and adequate funding streams,

*   Integration of measures to tackle VAW in programmes in a variety of sectors.

The way forward: a question of priorities

VAW is complex and diverse in its manifestations. Its elimination requires a comprehensive and systematic response by States, the United Nations, and all stakeholders.

*   Local communities also have a responsibility for addressing VAW and they should be assisted in doing so.

*   Men have a role, especially in preventing VAW, and this role needs to be further explored and strengthened.

*   Strong institutional mechanisms are required at national and international level to ensure action, coordination, monitoring and accountability.

*   Leadership is critical at all levels (local, national, regional and international) and by all sectors (including politicians and government officials, opinion formers, business leaders, civil society organizations and community leaders).

Government must close the gaps between international standards and national laws, policies and practices

*   Ending impunity and ensuring accountability for VAW are crucial to prevent and reduce it

*   Impunity for VAW (by both state and non-state actors) results from the

*   Failure of to implement international standards at the national and local level. Government has a responsibility to act with due diligence to prevent violence against women; to investigate such violence; to prosecute and

*   Punish perpetrators, whether they are state or non-state actors: whether there is pressure from families and to provide access to redress for victims.

*   Work to end VAW requires not only a clear demonstration of political commitment but also systematic and sustained action backed by strong, dedicated and permanent institutional organizations (NGOs), scale up and

* Institutionalize it and share experiences with other countries.

Government should allocate adequate resources and funding to programmes to address and redress VAW

The social, political and economic costs of allowing this violence to continue unabated are great and call for a commensurate investment in women’s security. Such an effort requires increased commitment of financial and human resources. Sectors such as justice, health, housing and education which are critical in assisting women who survive violence to access effective legal, health and social services, as well as enhancing prevention work.