UNiTE to End Gender Violence

Staff members at the exhibition to mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence

(December 13, 2011, UNIC Nairobi ) - There was a hive of activity in the morning of 29 November 2011 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, with the UN and its partners setting up stalls for an exhibition to mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence.

The UN Joint programme on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment coordinated the exhibition targeting UN staff members. An amalgam of young, old men and women were engaged in a beehive of activities each show casing their programmes geared towards a common goal of ending all forms of violence against women. The exhibition was also to raise greater attention to the challenge of gender violence.

All the exhibitors, most of whom were from the NGO fraternity attracted a lot of visitors who were eager to build their knowledge on the subject and explore ways to contribute to the end of gender violence. Competent representatives provided publications and also adequately answered the myriad of questions put to them. The most significant achievement running through all the stalls was that results to end gender violence were being realized through both legal assistance and provision of essential services such as emergency treatment in cases of abuse. In addition, many people are now aware of where and how to access help.

One particular organization, Men for Gender Equality Now (MEGEN), comprising of mainly men, emphasized the need to include men in the fight against gender violence. According to the organization, “MEGEN does sensitize men to stop gender based violence…in the initial stages , usually, there is a negative reception from the men but after sensitization on MEGEN’s vision, the men become more receptive and active in playing their part in ending the scourge of gender based violence.”

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