Malabo, November 26th, 2024. – UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, joined the global community in launching the 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence (GBV) in Equatorial Guinea. The official launch event, held in Malabo, was chaired by the Minister of Gender Equality, Social Affairs and Crafts, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing this critical issue.
UNFPA's recent studies have highlighted the urgent need to address GBV in the country. The last Demographic and Health Survey reveals that 63% of women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and 32% have been victims of sexual violence. These findings emphasize the critical need for comprehensive action to prevent and address violence against women and girls.
This year's global theme, "Renewed commitment, accountability, resourcing. Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls," calls for intensified efforts to combat GBV and strengthen accountability mechanisms to achieve gender equality.
In her address, the Minister of Gender Equality, Social Affairs and Crafts reinforced the government's commitment to ending GBV, stating, "The elimination of gender-based violence is a top priority for our government. We are dedicated to working with all partners to strengthen our legal framework, expand support services for survivors, and promote social and behavioral change to create a society where all women and girls are safe and empowered.". This powerful statement highlights the government's dedication to addressing this critical human rights issue.
In her opening statement, the UNFPA Representative highlighted the urgency of the situation and called for collective action: "This annual event, taking place from November 25th to December 10th, provides a crucial opportunity to unite our efforts and take action against gender-based violence targeting women and girls." She emphasized the alarming prevalence of GBV in the country and reaffirmed UNFPA's commitment to supporting the government in its efforts to prevent and address violence, provide essential services to survivors, and promote social change.
Theater Group Bocamanja, Photo credit, UNFPA-GE
To mark the campaign launch, UNFPA presented the findings of two recent studies:
- Mapping of GBV Support Services: This study provides a comprehensive overview of available services for GBV survivors in Equatorial Guinea, including their location and accessibility.
https://equatorialguinea.unfpa.org/es/publications/mapeo-general-de-servicios-de-atenci%C3%B3n-y-derivaci%C3%B3n-de-casos-de-violencia-de-g%C3%A9nero
- Social and Gender Norms Preventing Reporting of GBV: This research explores the social and cultural factors that hinder women from reporting violence, providing valuable insights for prevention and response efforts.
https://equatorialguinea.unfpa.org/es/publications/estudio-sobre-las-normas-sociales-y-de-genero-y-razones-por-las-que-las-mujeres-no
UNFPA Equatorial Guinea utilized a powerful combination of research, theater, and poetry to raise awareness and call for an end to GBV. By engaging youth in artistic activities, the campaign fostered a sense of collective responsibility and encouraged creative expression to address this critical issue.
Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, UNFPA will continue to mobilize stakeholders, advocate for inclusive strategies and programs, and promote women's leadership in policymaking and decision-making processes. By leveraging research, engaging communities, and empowering women and girls, UNFPA is dedicated to creating a world where all individuals are free from violence and can reach their full potential.
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His Excellency The Minister of Gender Equality & Social Affairs, UNFPA Representative in Equatorial Guinea, and participants Photo credit, UNFPA-GE
