This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 25 November 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
AS part of its participation in the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign, Mothers' Union is calling for "One in three to zero" - for the number of women globally experiencing gender-based violence to drop from one in three to zero. The Christian charity is calling on governments to create a culture where violence against women and girls (VAWG) is unacceptable, through the education of young people and adults about loving, respectful relationships.
Governments also need to outlaw all forms of gender-based violence, ensure that survivors have access to justice and support services and provide for the rehabilitation of perpetrators. Speaking ahead of the conference, Social Policy Manager, Rachel Aston said: "Much has been achieved in the past few years in raising awareness of gender-based violence across the world, yet with one in three women known to experience some form of abuse, there is still much to do.
Our conference is bringing together a range of expert panelists highlighting the different experiences of women and girls; and with our conference participants we will be examining what needs to be done, through policy and practice, to bring this number to zero."To launch the 16 Days event, which begins today and ends on Thursday 10 December, the international Day of Human Rights, Mothers' Union is holding a conference in the UK to bring together policy makers, key agencies who work to end gender-based violence and international speakers to help profile the global complexities which need support from the UK.
Also, today members of the new Synod of the Church of England will be invited to contribute prayers for the campaign which will be prayed throughout the 16 Days by members and staff across Mothers' Union worldwide.
Globally Mothers' Union is a member of 'Restored' and 'We Will Speak Out', coalitions working together globally to end violence against women and girls.
Mothers' Union also holds consultative status at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and over the years has influenced government agreements on violence against women, especially on access to justice and the rehabilitation of perpetrators. To get involved in the campaign, or to lend your support follow #16Days and #Makeit0 on social media, and download the resource pack from Mothers' Union's website .