UNITED NATIONS (UN) WOMEN ORGANISATION AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN focusing on girl chil

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United Nations (UN) Women Organisation and Violence Against Women and Children, Focusing on Girl Child

Introduction to UN Women and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

The United Nations (UN) Women Organisation is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls globally. Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a critical issue that the UN Women Organisation addresses as part of its mission to eliminate gender-based discrimination and promote human rights. This article synthesizes research on the UN's efforts to combat VAWG, with a particular focus on the girl child.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and VAWG

The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, aim to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. SDG 5 includes specific targets to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including trafficking and sexual exploitation, as well as harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation . These goals underscore the importance of addressing VAWG as a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Preventive Interventions in the Arab League

A systematic review of preventive interventions in the Arab League highlights the complexity of addressing VAWG in these regions. The review found that interventions at multiple levels of prevention—primary, secondary, and tertiary—are necessary. However, only a few studies employed multi-level interventions, which are crucial for systems strengthening and community solidarity. The patriarchal dominance in Arab countries often hinders the collective female voice, making it challenging to implement effective interventions.

Global Recognition and Call to Action

International recognition of VAWG has grown, leading to calls for comprehensive action. Governments are urged to address the political, social, and economic structures that subordinate women and to implement national plans with budget commitments to prevent and respond to abuse. Community and group interventions involving both women and men are essential to shift discriminatory social norms and reduce the risk of violence. Education and empowerment of women are fundamental components of these strategies.

Legal Frameworks and Human Rights

The UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child provide a robust legal foundation for advocating the rights of women and female children. These conventions mandate protection from discrimination in access to healthcare, nutrition, education, and other opportunities, emphasizing the state's obligation to ensure child survival and the full participation of women in social and economic development.

Health and Welfare Initiatives

The health and welfare of women and children are pivotal to nation-building. Gender inequity and discrimination against girls can only be bridged through equal opportunities for healthcare and education. Initiatives like the International Day of the Girl Child raise global awareness about issues such as gender inequity, right to education, nutrition, medical care, and protection against violence and child marriages. Effective implementation of these programs is crucial for their success.

Safe Spaces in Humanitarian Contexts

In conflict and post-conflict settings, the incidence of VAWG is exacerbated. Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) have been promoted as a promising intervention to prevent and respond to VAWG in these contexts. While some evaluations of WGSS programs have shown moderate improvements in psychosocial well-being and social support, there is a lack of rigorous evidence on their effectiveness in reducing VAWG. Further research is needed to inform policy and program development.

Conclusion

The UN Women Organisation plays a vital role in addressing violence against women and girls, with a particular focus on the girl child. Through the implementation of the SDGs, legal frameworks, and various preventive interventions, significant strides can be made towards eliminating VAWG. However, continuous efforts, research, and effective implementation of programs are essential to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls worldwide.