A ceremony to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was held in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Soe Win, who is also Chairman of the Myanmar National Women’s Committee, said violence against women not only affects each woman who experiences it, but also causes harm, loss, and negative impacts on families, communities, and society. He noted that the United Nations has reported that one in three women worldwide has experienced violence at least once in her lifetime. The global crises, conflicts, and climate change increase the vulnerability of women and girls and further escalate violence against women.

Myanmar is implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, the outcomes of the World Conference on Women, and the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), in accordance with the policies of the country. He continued that this year’s theme is “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”. As digital violence can be carried out easily and rapidly anywhere in the world, effective laws should be enacted, and actions should be taken seriously.

He highlighted the preventive measures, response and protection activities of the ministry regarding the violence against women by cooperating with the relevant governmental departments and organizations, resolving complaints received from helpline 1566 with 596 case managers, establishment of One Stop Women Support Centre (OSWSC) and One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) at the ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and the Ministry of Health.

A video clip for eliminating measures on the violence against women was played, and the young women of the Myanmar Women’s Sports Federation performed Fitness Dance.

MNA/KTZH

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