Beirut, Lebanon
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
The
United Nations launched today in Lebanon the 16 Days of Activism, part of a
global campaign aimed at promoting action to end violence against women and
girls and to empower them.
During visits to a women's center in the Palestine Refugee Camp of Burj El-Barajneh and later to a center in Choueifat, Ms Sigrid Kaag, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon emphasized the importance of the empowerment of women and girls through education, as one of the pathways to ensure greater protection from violence.
Protection from violence needs to be accompanied by accountability, Kaag stressed. "No one can stand by idly, and the UN is committed to support both the Government of Lebanon and civil society as they promote a more protective environment for women and girls," said the Special Coordinator on behalf of the UN family in Lebanon.
The 16 Days of Activism begin on 25 November, which marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women until 10 December, Human Rights Day. This year, prevention is the key theme of the UN Secretary General’s 16 day call for action. In Lebanon, the 16 days will focus on the theme of Protection and Empowerment of Women and girls: a Collective Accountability. Activities to promote the protection and empowerment of women are planned during that period by the UN, women’s centers and civil society groups. The symbol of the campaign is the purple ribbon.