Historic election result for Rwandan women

Progress for Women Is Progress for All

From left to right: Zarin Hainsworth (President, UNIFEM UK), Harriet Harman MP (Minister for Women & Equality), Maria Eagle MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary for Women & Equality), Vera Baird MP (Solicitor General), Barbara Keeley MP, Nia Griffiths MP, Hilary Armstrong MP, Jan Grasty (Vice President, UNIFEM UK)

The event took place in the Houses of Parliament on 10 December, Human Rights Day and a date which also marks the end of 16 days of international activism to stop violence against women.

UNIFEM’s Say NO campaign is a global advocacy initiative on ending violence against women. When it was launched in November 2007 the aim was to collect one million signatures to demonstrate that there is an ever-growing movement of people who demand that ending violence against women becomes a top priority for governments. There has been overwhelming support from across the world and over 5 million signatures had been collected by 25 November 2008 – the annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The Say NO network continues to grow as governments carry on signing to express their commitment to taking action to end violence against women.

On signing the petition Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, said: “Violence against women is everyone’s problem - it destroys the lives of women and children in all regions, in all social classes, and across all countries. We need to work together to end it, and I wholeheartedly support UNIFEM and its Say NO campaign. Tackling violence against women is a priority for this Government, and we have made much progress, including tackling domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. But there is still a long way to go, and we are determined to do more."

Theresa May MP, Shadow Minister for Women, said: “I strongly support the Say NO campaign and welcome this opportunity to raise awareness about the continuing challenges of ending violence against women. It is encouraging that so many people have supported the Say NO campaign, but there is still much more work to be done. Three million women are victims of violence each year in the UK. We need to continue to raise awareness of this and tackle the root causes so that we can prevent it happening in the first place.”

Zarin Hainsworth, President of UNIFEM UK, said: “Partnerships and sustained political will at the highest levels are urgently needed to meet the significant challenges. It is essential to bring together international public support along with civil society, the private sector and the United Nations system. Support from Government leaders and officials, at all levels, is crucial. We are really pleased at this welcome response from Her Majesty’s Government and we look forward to working on this important issue in the coming months.”

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