27 November 2014
Australia stands committed to ending violence against women
Shirts, sponsored by the Australian High Commission, worn by those who participated in the march this week.
On Tuesday I was honoured to participate in the annual White Ribbon Day parade, which marks the start of 16 days of activism to draw attention to the scourge of gender-based violence.
Violence against women persists as one of the most heinous and prevalent human rights abuses.
While there is no shortage of good work being done in every country, the statistics remain deeply disturbing, and the impact of violence on individual’s lives and the well-being of our communities is devastating.
Globally, more than one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in some other way, most often by someone she knows. In Solomon Islands, the reported rate is two in three women – double the global average. But Australia is not immune either. In my country, one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner.
Violence affects women first and foremost, but also their children, families and communities. However, it is also a burden on national economies, as well a barrier to lasting peace and a threat to sustainable national development.
International evidence shows we can create the change necessary to prevent violence against women and their children. To do this, we must address the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate, justify, excuse and fail to counter such violence.
Recognising that violence against women is an issue that affects women and girls around the world, Australia is committed to supporting and partnering with other countries to end violence against women. That’s why Australia has committed $A320m over 10 years to improve political, economic and social opportunities for women in the Pacific.
Here in Solomon Islands we’re delivering a range of activities with our local partners as part of this commitment. These include support to the SAFENET referral service; support through our NGO partners to prevent violence in communities; and support to rehabilitate prosecuted offenders and male prisoners.
I’d also like to commend the outgoing Lilo government for taking the bold step to pass the Family Protection Act earlier this year. This important legislation recognises violence in the home to be a criminal act. The challenge now is to effectively implement the legislation so that all Solomon Islanders – particularly women and children - are protected from acts of violence in the home.
Each individual, community and government has a responsibility to speak out against violence against women. In our workplaces, in our schools, in our communities and in our homes, we must all say “enough”.
Australia’s Prime Minister is leading by example as a White Ribbon Ambassador. Prime Minister Abbott has made clear that Australia has zero tolerance for violence against women.
Our collective efforts are needed to achieve profound and lasting change around the world; not just for the benefit of women and girls, but for all of us.
Joining the march to kick start the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence this week in Honiara.