16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign closure event takes place in Dushanbe

The round table was dedicated to the implementation of the revised version of the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On the Prevention of Domestic Violence". The important high-level event was co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Hon. Dilrabo Mansuri, and UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, Hon. Parvathy Ramaswami. 

Representatives of government institutions, public organizations and development partners attending the event, discussed four main areas of gender equality promotion and GBV prevention. These included legal environment strengthening, access to essential services for survivors of GBV, addressing harmful social norms and women's economic empowerment for gender equality and poverty reduction.

The event was conducted within UNFPA’s Central Asia - UK Integrated Security Fund (ISF) project on strengthening prevention and response to violence against women and girls in Central Asia. 

Ms. Parvathy Ramaswami, UN Resident Coordinator highlighted in her statement: “UN is committed to ending all forms of violence against women and girls and other harmful practices by 2030. The 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign provides an important platform annually, encouraging global participation andhighlighting the urgent need for action and accountability to end GBV.”

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, Hon. Dilrabo Mansuri Saydullo mentioned: “According to preliminary data from the 2023 Demographic and Health Survey in the Republic of Tajikistan, 16% of ever-married women have experienced some form of GBV. This significant improvement compared to 2017 (31%) is the result of our collective work. Our continued partnership to ensure comprehensive investments in gender equality and reproductive health and rights can change the lives of women and girls for the better and advance our shared development agenda.”

UK Ambassador to Republic of Tajikistan, Ms. Katherine Smitton noted: “The UK Government remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting gender equality and combating GBV globally. The good news is that we know that gender-based violence is preventable. But the fight against it is a marathon, not a sprint – so while the 16 days shine a spotlight on this issue, tackling it requires sustained effort, unwavering commitment, and collective action 365 days a year. By working together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence.”

Note: The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a global campaign supported by the United Nations and partners to raise awareness and galvanize action to end violence against women and girls. Running annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), the campaign unites individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide in advocacy and education. It emphasizes that gender-based violence is a violation of human rights and a pervasive barrier to achieving equality, development, and peace. The UN calls on governments, civil society, and individuals to commit to creating safe environments, ensuring justice for survivors, and addressing root causes through education and policy change. By joining this campaign, we can collectively envision and contribute to a joint future free from violence and discrimination.