The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence campaign was launched today by H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The campaign is being undertaken this year in Ethiopia under a national theme entitled “Respect Women and Girls! Prevent Violence!”

Launching the campaign in Hawassa, Sidama Region of Ethiopia, President Sahle-Work Zewde underscored the need to empower women and girls to be part of the solution in the fight against gender-based violence. She made a strong call on all stakeholders to redouble efforts at preventing gender-based violence and for survivors to get justice.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs, reiterated the government’s commitment to prevent gender-based violence and support response services for survivors working with partners. She indicated that as one concrete step the government will soon be launching the “Sex Offenders’ Registration System” which she said will be instrumental in reducing incidences of violence.

The 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is being undertaken for the 17th time in Ethiopia involving various partners and stakeholders. Making remarks at the event, Ms. Christine Mwanukuzi-Kwayu, Deputy Representative a.i. of UNFPA Ethiopia, said that prevention and response to gender-based violence forms part of the effort at promoting gender equality and human rights which in turn form the basis of achieving sustainable development. “It is incumbent to ensure that women and girls have access to just and effective remedies for the harm that they have suffered,” she added.

A policy dialogue session was held during the launching event under the theme “Renewing Commitment on Access to Justice for Women and Girls.” Panellists drawn from relevant sector ministries, law enforcement bodies and civil society organizations took part in the policy dialogue session. The panellists discussed the experiences and lessons learned on access to justice for women and girls for cases of gender-based violence in development and humanitarian contexts.

The launching event of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence was attended by senior officials of federal and regional governments and various partners and stakeholders.