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During the period 2014 to 2016, ESCWA focused several of its Gender Discussion Series on Violence against Women. In December 2014, ESCWA organized a discussion on “Gender-related research and policy priorities emerging in the context of recent regional developments, particularly in humanitarian and conflict settings”. This event was organized in collaboration with the ABAAD Resource Centre for Gender Equality in the context of 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence. Within this framework, ESCWA organized several advocacy activities against Gender-Based Violence.
The Director of UNIC (United Nations Information Centres) New Delhi was the Guest of Honour at the launch of a campaign "Against Acid Violence", organised by Acid Survivors Foundation India (ASFI) at Juniper Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India. The National Director & CEO ASFI presented some alarming statistics that have been collected to show what a widely prevalent phenomenon this had become in India and gave an overview of the work of ASFI. An acid attack survivor thanked ASFI for taking their voice to the world at large. The Chairperson of the National Commission for Women shed light on the justice system noting that there was literally no recourse to justice.
OHCHR’s support to Papua New Guinea led to the development of a national action plan and the establishment of a committee to address violence related to accusations of sorcery and witchcraft. OHCHR also supported policy development in cases of gender-based violence and rape.
In Viet Nam in 2015, UN Women provided technical support to the Ministry of Education and Training to develop a circular that will provide guidance to schools nationwide to introduce counseling services to help students deal with issues such as school-related gender based violence (SRGBV) and difficulties in gender relations. This is in response to growing evidence that SRGBV, especially cyber harassment has become common and increasingly complicated recently. The circular is currently being reviewed by the Government and is expected to be approved by the Prime Minister in August 2016.
UN Women developed costing frameworks that provide the foundation for understanding the resources needed for comprehensive support services for survivors of violence. These frameworks were developed in Lao PDR, Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
In Armenia, UNDP led in 2015 the process of UN Agencies' support to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in assessing the results of the Gender Policy Strategic Action Plan for 2011-2015 and 2011-2015 National Programme against Gender-based Violence. This strategic support paved the way for establishment of a new national framework and action plan on gender equality for at least next five years aligned with Armenia's international commitments, including UPR recommendations. UNDP’s assessment also places special emphasis on strengthening monitoring and evaluation system of gender across sectors.
In 2014, UNICEF developed a multi-year initiative with national authorities and the travel and tourism sector to support policy measures to prevent child sexual exploitation among adolescent boys and girls living in poverty. This resulted in improved local capacity to protect victims and prosecute crimes. UNICEF continues to invest in advancing girls’ education in communities at risk or in remote areas. Since 2014, UNICEF’s investment in the #EndViolence Against Children Initiative led to increased global consciousness in more than 50 countries and triggered a grass-roots movement prompting action across the world.
In Kyrgyzstan, UNODC recommendations on gender policy were incorporated in the endorsed national Action Plan on implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, including a mentoring plan for women in law enforcement and establishing a roster for women in senior management positions.
In May 2016, WHO published guidelines for management of the health consequences of female genital mutilation.
As part of activities marking the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence in Nigeria, UNIC (United Nations Information Centres) in collaboration with International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and West African Women Association (WAWA) organized a seminar to explore the legal frameworks in support of women's rights. The seminar identified and addressed the causes of violence against women and the need to speak out, network and raise awareness. Over 120 participants of whom over 100 were women, attended the seminar held at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Secretariat, Lagos Liaison Office in Nigeria.