A commemoration of a 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence event was held today at the Association of Women Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD). The event attended by staff of UNFPA and survivors of Gender-Based Violence residing in the safe house was held under the theme “Let us End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Standing in Solidarity with Survivors.”

The representatives of the Embassy of Canada and UNFPA staff were given a tour of the services of the safe house and also interacted with survivors sheltered there.

Speaking at the event, Evelyne Dabire, First Secretary (Development) and Team Leader of Gender Equality and Governance at the Embassy of Canada, highlighted the importance of commemorating the event at the safe house on #Human_Rights_Day. She noted the importance of engagement of men in promoting the rights of women and protecting them from gender-based violence.

Sarah Masale, Deputy Representative of UNFPA, appreciated the support being provided by the safe house to help survivors overcome their experiences. She assured the survivors that UNFPA will be a committed partner in the effort at fighting and eliminating gender-based violence.