Tackling gender-based violence a top priority, panel discussion in Zenica concluded
The EU Info Centre organised a panel discussion with H.E. Edward Ferguson, UK Ambassador, and H.E. Anders Hagelberg, Ambassador of Sweden, in Zenica on 30 November 2016, on the occasion of the Interna...
The EU Info Centre organised a panel discussion with H.E. Edward Ferguson, UK Ambassador, and H.E. Anders Hagelberg, Ambassador of Sweden, in Zenica on 30 November 2016, on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – 25th November and as a contribution to 16 days of activism against the gender-based violence campaign.
H.E. Edward Ferguson, UK Ambassador, reminded that globally one in three women is beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime. “As a father of two young girls, I find that appalling. And, all too often, victims of violence or sexual abuse face more needless suffering because, although completely innocent of any wrongdoing, they are treated with suspicion by their families and communities, denied justice and cut off from access to support when they need it the most”, Ambassador Ferguson said.
He has also emphasised the problems that victims are facing in their daily life. “Around the world, the British Government is working to stop violence, and particularly sexual violence, against women and girls. And we are helping to improve public services, and to tackle the stigma which can so unfairly be attached to survivors. Sexual violence can happen to anyone, of any ethnicity, gender or social status. And we all – not just politicians or public servants, but families and friends – have a responsibility to offer our compassion and our support to those who have been its innocent victims”, Ambassador Ferguson concluded.
H.E. Anders Hagelberg, Ambassador of Sweden underlined gender equality as one of the top priorities of the Swedish Government and foreign policy. “It is the need of all of us to stop the violence that men are conducting against women, which is the same in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sweden, as well as in all other parts of the world. About 35 percent of women worldwide and in some countries up to 70 percent of women experienced some form of violence, which is related to their gender. These are the situations we need to stop and I think that this issue deserves all our efforts”, said Ambassador Hagelberg.
Fuad Kasumović, Zenica Mayor called upon the participants of the discussion to apply the values shared during the discussion in their daily life.
Beti Čolak, a participant in this thematic discussion noted that only broad discussion can help resolve this global issue. “It is important to raise voice on this matter, not only to prevent future violence, but also to show support to all victims of gender-based violence,” Čolak said.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a period to galvanise actions to end violence against women and girls around the world. This year’s campaign theme is: “Orange the world: Raise money to end violence against women”.
