26 Nov 2018

UN Women launches 16 days of activism

2:02 pm on 26 November 2018

The United Nations has launched 16 days of activism against gender based violence, calling for the elimination of attacks on women and girls.

Domestic violence is an enduring problem in many Pacific Island states.

Domestic violence is an enduring problem in many Pacific Island states. Photo: 123rf

The campaign by the UN Women's agency is running from 25 November until Human Rights Day on 10 December.

It aims to capitalise on the global outcry against sexual harassment and social media conversations such as #MeToo and #TimesUp.

UN Women's Papua New Guinea Country Representative, Susan Ferguson, said the campaign would also amplify voices of women to advocate for specific changes within institutions and workplaces to promote gender equality.

A range of community events in PNG will promote consent, the right to be safe, men and boys as allies, and safer communities, she said.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is also holding awareness programmes with Supervising Commissioner Juanita Matanga saying the voices of women and girls must be heard.

All women want is to move around their communities freely and live a safe life within their own homes without having to face sexual abuse by men, Ms Matanga said.