The panel at the conference
URI-Africa participated in Kinshasa- DRC on a conference to end of violence against women and girls in Africa.
The country- Democratic Republic of Congo, has been experiencing violence against women and is perhaps the most widespread and socially tolerated of human rights violations, cutting across borders, race, class, ethnicity and religion. Violence against women is an extreme manifestation of pervasive discrimination against women and girls. It occurs in all countries at all stages of development, and threatens the rights, health and well-being of women.
[ads1]Women and girls are disproportionately affected in situation of conflict and other emergency situation, where they face high risks of sexual violence.
The prevention and reduction of gender-based violence requires strong global, continental and national commitments and instruments together with effective leadership to build the resources and capacity of service providers and the community at the local level.
Seated at the middle is the URI Africa Director, Dr. Hailu Mussie
The national commitment to eliminate violence against women and girls can be realized when all members of the society including faith based organizations, religious and traditional leaders, the government, community based organizations, family members and individuals take leadership and accept responsibility to work together to create a society that does not condone violence and works publicly and directly to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.
Taking this fact in mind, URI-Africa call for the end of sexual violence against women and girls and express its strong commitment to work in partnership with UN Women office and all other relevant government, non- governmental organizations, faith based organizations, religious and traditional leaders in Africa to address this critical issue.