UNFPA partnered with the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN) to launch in Ethiopia today the Red Card Campaign against all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls. This campaign which aims at drawing the attention of policy makers, civil society and citizens to violence against women and girls was officially launched by H.E. Filsan Abdullahi, Minister of Women, Children and Youth of Ethiopia.

Speaking on the occasion, Sarah Masale, UNFPA Deputy Representative, said eliminating gender-based violence is an important area of work in operationalizing the UNFPA mandate noting that one of the transformative results UNFPA is pursuing in realizing the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development is ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. “It is time to stand up and say “enough” to gender-based violence and harmful practices not just during the 16 days, but 365 days a year,” she added.

The President of ARND, Djibril Diallo, said on the occasion that he had talks with the President of Ethiopia, H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, regarding the campaign. He indicated that the President agreed to serve as the global champion of the Red Card Campaign which aims to collect a minimum of one million signatures by the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.  

The Red Card Campaign to end all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls was launched globally in March this year at a special meeting at the United Nations Headquarters.

The campaign launching event in Ethiopia was attended by the State Minister of Education and other dignitaries.