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Department of Political Affairs (DPA) collaborates with other UN entities and local NGOs and women’s groups to raise awareness of and advocate for the elimination of violence against women, also at the national level. DPA does not have projects or programmes on violence against women but supports NGOs in their sensitization programmes. The human rights sections of field missions monitor and report on cases of human rights abuses, which may include violence against women. Hide

Through the joint project, Partners for Prevention: Working with Boys and Men to Prevent Gender-Based Violence in Asia-Pacific, UNV and UNFPA, together with their partners, are mobilizing boys and men as allies for ending violence and discrimination against women and girls as well as advancing gender equality. Women’s advocates and women empowerment groups are further strengthened in their participatory capacities and leadership skills to enhance the effectiveness of their efforts. Hide

In Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States, IFAD has initiated a project to provide alternatives to migration and prevention of trafficking by developing new income generating activities, diversifying livelihood options and reducing barriers to entrepreneurship, specifically empowering high-risk vulnerable groups, with a focus on women and youth.IFAD worked on women’s empowerment in the Mahbubnagar region of Andhra Pradesh, India, in partnership with UNIFEM, The Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty and the Kovel Foundation, by organizing women into self-help groups and non-timber forest products collectors’ associations. An evaluation of the project suggested that participants’ control over their income increased, and also resulted in a substantial reduction in the drunkenness of men and violence within the home. Hide

DAW, now part of UN Women, made available information on violence against women through its website, especially in relation to the Secretary-General’s in-depth study on violence against women and its follow-up, provided briefings on the work of the United Nations in the field of violence against women, and organized panel discussions and other outreach activities. DAW widely disseminated the Secretary-General’s study, including at the national level to national machineries for the advancement of women and to United Nations resident coordinators/ representatives. DAW had organized several panels on violence against women, including a panel to launch the study in October 2006; a panel discussion on “Galvanizing action towards ending violence against women” to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 2006; and an interactive panel on "Elimination of all forms of violence against women: follow up to the Secretary-General’s in-depth study at national and international levels", during the 51st session of the Commission on the Status of Women, March 2007. Hide

A network of gender focal points in regional and country offices work with UNICEF’s Gender Equality and Human Rights Unit in promoting gender issues and awareness, including on violence against women and girls, through television and radio campaigns. In line with the Secretary-General’s study on violence against children, several country offices have led campaigns on violence against children, with an emphasis on violence against girls. Hide

ESCAP disseminates information about prevention of violence against women and trafficking, and encourages stakeholder participation in such efforts. It organizes panel discussions, film festivals and screenings to increase awareness among different stakeholders. For example, ESCAP has facilitated the production and screening of a short film, called Young Men Speak Out. Hide

In Bangladesh, IFAD and other partners are supporting the Government to set up “women’s sections” in major markets to ensure women’s safety and prevent sexual harassment women face from men in the marketplace. Hide

In preparation for the 2004 workshop, the World Bank’s Gender and Development Group organized a film series on gender-based violence. The World Bank has also funded activities of the “16 day of activism against gender violence” campaign in Indonesia. Hide

UNICRI produced a website on trafficking in minors and commercial sexual exploitation of children, with a special focus on sex tourism and code of conduct for tourism operators. UNICRI has carried out awareness campaigns on trafficking in women and minors for the purpose of sexual exploitation with the aim to sensitize potential victims, political and religious leaders, public institutions, and the general public, in addition to raising awareness of the services available to victims.In Nigeria, in 2003, UNICRI implemented awareness campaigns in the Edo State, including radio and TV spots, market campaigns, advocacy meetings and school visits. In Italy, in 2004, a video spot “Let’s help them to get free from slavery” was broadcasted on national TV channels.In Costa Rica, UNICRI produced: TV and radio spots; billboards at the borders to sensitize/inform the public on the issue; a bookmark to raise awareness in the population at risk; a set of three different stickers posted up in the windows of all immigration offices; 14 movable billboards, circulated on buses, in the areas identified as the most vulnerable trafficking routes. In Ukraine, in 2006, awareness-raising campaigns included brochures advertising the free hot-line number and for specialists about national legislation; the dissemination of information through the La Strada website; multi-disciplinary round tables; and a television spot. Hide

The Special Adviser on Gender Issues raises the question of violence against women in various forums, meetings and during missions, and brings serious and massive violations of women’s human rights to the attention of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. OSAGI , now part of UN Women, developed a Leaders’ Advocacy Kit to combat gender-based violence, in collaboration with several entities of the United Nations system. Hide