As we commence the annual campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,” dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the eradication of violence against women and girls, we express our solidarity with the global community in addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV). This year’s theme, “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls,” underscores the critical need to finance diverse prevention strategies aimed at eliminating violence at its roots. Comprehensive efforts are required to tackle gender inequalities, harmful social norms, and the specific needs of displaced populations.
In many societies, women and girls endure daily violence and discrimination simply due to their gender. Achieving gender equality is a pivotal aspect of the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, yet obstacles persist. Girls face increased dropout rates from school and many forms of gender-based violence, including forced marriages and female genital mutilation. Gender-based violence is undeniably intertwined with armed conflicts, where women and children often endure physical, sexual, verbal, and psychological abuse. Refugees and asylum-seeking women and girls, comprising around 50 percent of displaced populations, are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, especially those who are unaccompanied, pregnant, heads of households, disabled, or elderly. While violence against women and girls occurs at an alarming rate globally, it is estimated that 1 in 5 forcibly displaced women living in humanitarian crisis and armed conflict have been subjected to sexual violence.
In Cyprus, commendable steps have been taken towards protecting survivors of gender-based violence. The establishment of a National Coordinating Body for Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and the approval of a National Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2028) in February 2023 reflect the Government’s commitment to address this critical issue. The National Strategy and Action Plan underscore the urgency of conducting prompt assessments of asylum-seeking women to identify and support GBV survivors, outlining targeted actions that include providing information to women with specific needs, such as migrant and refugee women, about their rights. Additionally, specialized training is proposed for first-line officers, such as police officers, lawyers, and courts.
The launch of SPAVO’s Sofi’s House, a project supporting children and young asylum-seeking mothers, is a significant improvement in addressing the challenges faced by this vulnerable group. This initiative provides temporary accommodation, parental guidance, and psychosocial empowerment through the collaborative efforts of psychologists, social workers, educators and caregivers.
Recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts in effecting positive change, we have joined forces to create the Platform on Protecting Refugee and Asylum-seeking Women from Violence. This platform serves as a vital channel for ongoing communication concerning policies and practical requirements related to the protection of refugee communities from gender-based violence. We acknowledge the need for protocols on monitoring, preventing and responding to GBV in reception centres as well as the need to provide training to front line officers at the reception centers. Moreover, we are organizing activities to enhance public awareness regarding the issue and its root causes as well as to foster empathy towards survivors of gender-based violence.
While progress has been made over the last year, there remains a need for additional measures to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence, particularly at the first reception center and other collective centers. Adequate support for transitioning to safe accommodation in the community, along with legal assistance, psychosocial support, and crucial cash assistance for survivors, is essential. Timely access to medical care for vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women and victims of trafficking is of utmost importance. Improved access to services and information related to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights issues, including contraception methods, prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections, termination of pregnancy, and addressing sexual violence, is also crucial, as underscored by a recent survey, presented by the Cyprus Family Planning Association.
As we observe the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence”, let’s take a moment to contemplate the undeniable truth that violence against women has far-reaching consequences, affecting us all. Together, let’s work towards creating a world where every woman and girl can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination. Let’s commit to Leave No One Behind and remember that violence against women affects refugee women too.
Members of the Platform on Protecting Refugee and Asylum-seeking Women from Violence:
– Advisory Committee for the Prevention and Combating of Violence in the Family
– Association for the Prevention and Handling of Domestic Violence
– CARITAS Cyprus
– Cyprus Family Planning Association
– Cyprus Refugee Council
– Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies
– National Coordinating Body on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women
– UNHCR Cyprus
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