Canadian envoy virtually participates in UNFPA’s 16 Days of Activism 2020 campaign

Canadian High Commissioner Benoit Préfontaine virtually delivered remarks on the occasion of UNFPA's 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign, towards strengthening efforts to end gender-based violence and make progress in the gender-equality agenda. The event brought together a broad group of experts, policymakers, women's rights organisations, activists, young people, human rights defenders, international organisations, and members of the international community to discuss the challenges in preventing and responding to gender-based violence in Bangladesh. 

The global theme for the 2020 campaign is "Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent Collect!", with four strategic areas which aim to accelerate the progress towards the achievement of the 2030 SDG agenda and build a gender-equal society, according to a press release from the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka.

"This is a crucial, worldwide campaign to raise awareness about violence against women and girls.  This is a human rights issue that requires our collective voice and actions at all levels possible to help bring about positive change – from individual community leaders to local grassroots organisations; from national to international NGOs to multilaterals; and from private sector to government institutions," said Benoit Prefontaine, High Commissioner of Canada.

He also noted Canada's concern regarding current statistics which present an alarming global picture regarding violence against women. "Numbers are people. We have to recognise that each statistic represents a woman, child or family – a life – torn apart by violence or abuse. These statistics should be viewed as an urgent call for enhanced actions in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence", he stated.

"Our collective fight against violence against women and girls requires us to be champions of change.  It requires youth, both female and male, together with men and women to also be champions in the quest to end the worldwide epidemic that is gender-based violence. Canada's Feminist Assistance Policy recognizes that supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is the best way to build a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous world." concluded the Canadian High Commissioner.