Remarks by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly
at Ukraine/Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ-women Reception on occasion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
[As Delivered]
27 November 2023
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Your Excellency, Sergiy Kyslytsya, PR of Ukraine & outgoing Chair of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ-Women Executive Board,
Your Excellency, Markova Concepci¨®n Jaramillo, PR of Panama & incoming Chair of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ-Women Executive Board,
Ms. Sima Bahous, Executive Director, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ-Women
Ms. Ola Rondiak, Curator of the Exhibition
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
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I sincerely thank the Permanent Mission of Ukraine and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ-Women for gathering us here today to shine the spotlight on a cause that transcends many boundaries; and which demands our collective urgent attention ¨C to stand firm in opposition to violence against women and girls.
Today, we come together under the theme “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls” ¨C recognizing the critical need for proactive measures to eradicate this scourge.
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The theme we embrace today is a timely clarion call to action ¨C a declaration that we must invest not just our resources but our collective willpower to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
Investment, in this context, extends beyond mere financial commitments.
It encompasses education, awareness raising, and the fostering of a culture that rejects tolerance of violence, in any form, against women and girls.
We must invest in and actively promote programs that educate our youth about healthy relationships, gender equality, and the inherent dignity of every member of our societies, including women and girls.
By doing so, we lay the firm foundation for a future, where violence against women and girls is inconceivable.
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Distinguished Guests
Last GA Session, the OPGA initiated jointly with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ-Women a campaign inviting Permanent Missions¡¯ delegates to complete the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ¡¯s gender equality and sexual harassment prevention training.
Recently we launched the second phase of this initiative ¨C aiming to expand the reach of this campaign to all Permanent Missions in New York, as well as those in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi.
It is vital for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and its Membership to lead by example ¨C by demonstrating unified and resolute commitment in addressing gender-
based violence, aligning with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ values of equality, and championing women’s rights within workplaces.
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Prevention is not only a moral imperative, but an economic one as well.
The toll of violence against women on our societies is immeasurable ¨C affecting productivity, mental and sometimes physical health, and the very social fabric that binds us together as cohesive societies.
By investing in prevention, we are creating a more just and equitable society that benefits everyone.
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I conclude, let me emphasize that all of us must stand up and speak up united against the scourge of violence against women and girls.
Let us invest our time, resources, and energy into preventative measures that will shape a future that frees women and girls from the threat and shackles of violence.
It is not just a cause! it is a responsibility we owe to our mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and friends.
Time and again, women in Ukraine ¨C our kind host this evening ¨C and elsewhere in the world have demonstrated the strength, resilience, and courage we see in the exhibition today.
Together, let us build a world where every woman and girl can live without the threat of violence ¨C and thus unshackled, are free to realize their full potential and to contribute to the betterment of our shared humanity and society.
I thank you.