Minister of State responsible for Social Transformation Senator Samantha
Marshall, is gravely concerned that the pervasive issue of violence against women
and girls is not being treated with the necessary urgency.
Minister Marshall shared this view while addressing a major gathering, which was
held this week on the margins of the 68 th Session of the Commission of the Status
of Women (CSW) taking place at the United Nations in New York.
Her comments were placed against her own expressed view that the world is now
at a critical juncture in its pursuit of gender equality and the protection of women’s
rights. The legal framework of the United Nations on advancing and safeguarding
these rights rests upon the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and Optional Protocol, which is known
as the “International Bill of Rights for Women.”
Minister Marshall was quick to point out that despite this significant milestone
there is a glaring gap that needs to be urgently addressed.
“The global statistics we face are staggering –I dare say alarming– with an
estimated 736 million women—one in three—having experienced physical or
sexual-intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both,” she stated
in making her point.
“These numbers represent not just statistics but the lived experiences of our
mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, nieces, goddaughters, and friends. The
repercussions extend beyond immediate harm, impacting mental and reproductive
health, and perpetuating a cycle of suffering,” Senator Marshall further declared.
In spelling out the increasing litany of ills that women continue to face, she added,
that the COVID-19 crisis, the cost-of-living crisis, the proliferation of conflicts,
and climate change have only added to their burden.
“Women are now facing new and emerging forms of violence rooted in misogyny,
patriarchy, and dogmatic beliefs, impacting every aspect of their lives: safety,
dignity, freedom, and their equal and full participation in society,” Minister
Marshall stated.
In this connection, she made the call for nations worldwide to negotiate the
proposed new Optional Protocol under the CEDAW Convention.
“But we are not blind to the challenges ahead. Negotiations face obstacles such as
cultural divides, politicisation of gender issues, and resistance from very
conservative countries. As we navigate these challenges, I am reminded that the
issue of violence against women and girls is deeply woven into the fabric of our
societies,” she stated.
“I implore each one of you to support the proposal for an Optional Protocol under
the CEDAW Convention. Violence against women and girls is not just a women's
issue; it is an existential threat to the sustainable development of our countries,”
she concluded.
