Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche at the United Nations Walk to End Violence Against Women and Girls

Honorable State Minister of Women and Child Affairs Geetha Kumarasinghe; 

Head of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Dr Sudarshani Fernandopulle; 

Additional Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Sulakshana Jayawardane; 

Excellencies;

UN Colleagues;

Distinguished guests;

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this Walk Against Gender-Based Violence.

This initiative is one of many taking place this week as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual campaign that unites people around the world to say ‘enough’.

It symbolizes our collective commitment to end violence against women and girls; which remains one of the most widespread and pervasive violations of human rights.

Over 700 million women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.

This is not just a social or moral crisis but also a health crisis, and a major obstacle to sustainable development.

These violations are happening daily in every country around the world and Sri Lanka being no exception.

Despite progress in policies and awareness, women and girls in Sri Lanka still face barriers to justice and safety.

Domestic violence, online harassment, and workplace discrimination are realities that too many women face daily.

Despite its prevalence, gender-based violence remains shrouded in a culture of silence.

In turn, this often inhibits women and girls from accessing life-saving support, including reproductive health services.

This year's theme underscores the urgency of proactive investment in prevention, emphasizing the need for efforts beyond just response, but the elimination of violence all together.

UN agencies, including UNFPA, UN Women and many others are working closely with partners and communities both to prevent gender-based violence and support survivors.

To name just a few examples, UNFPA is doing great work supporting health clinics in providing safe and effective care for survivors.

UNFPA also works together with government, civil society and NGOs to promote action across sectors for a holistic response to gender-based violence.

UN Women also play a key role in developing evidence-based policy and programming guidance on prevention of violence against women and girls.

This includes interventions on early education, respectful relationships, and working with men and boys that have platforms in the media, the sports industry, and other sectors.

Needless to say, these initiatives would not be possible without the ownership of government counterparts and the collaboration of civil society organizations, NGOs and many other women-led groups.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Structural injustices and harmful gender stereotypes affect all of us.

It is not just a women's issue. It is a societal one that requires the engagement of every individual including men and boys.

We need to support legislation and comprehensive policies that strengthen the protection of women’s rights across the board. 

We must call for stronger protection mechanisms to prevent and eliminate violence, harassment, threats, intimidation, and discrimination.

We must promote women’s leadership and stand with women’s rights advocates who say that there is No Excuse for gender-based violence.

By ending violence against women and girls, we are paving the way for gender equality – ensuring that every individual can enjoy the same opportunities, rights and obligations.

Thank you.