HELP GIVE WOMEN AND GIRLS EXPERIENCING VIOLENCE ACCESS TO THE SERVICES THEY NEED
International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on March 8th each year. UN Women Australia is holding events across Australia this week to mark the celebrations.
UN Women Australia’s theme for International Women’s Day 2013 is ending violence against women. 1 in 3 women worldwide will experience physical violence at some point in their lives. 1 in 5 women are a victim of sexual violence in their lifetime.
This year UN Women Australia’s International Women’s Day fundraising will focus on supporting the Critical Services Initiative in Papua New Guinea which provides funds to nations to improve services and support available to women and children experiencing violence.
“Violence against women is a global emergency which affects women from all nations and all backgrounds,” Executive Director of UN Women Australia, Julie McKay said.
“Gender-based violence has a scarring effect on the women and families involved and a debilitating effect on the social and economic fabric of the communities and nations in which it occurs.
“Women in the Pacific experience some of the highest levels of violence in the world. In Papua New Guinea, up to 65% of women and girls have experienced physical violence, sexual violence or both. The figure is close to 100% in the Highlands.
“Access to quality, universal and free critical services for women experiencing violence is a crucial step in assisting women and girls at a time of crisis. This is why UN Women Australia is calling on all supporters to assist women and girls who experience violence by donating to the Critical Services Initiative this International Women’s Day.”
UN Women Australia is proud to have PwC and Westpac Group as our Platinum partners for International Women’s Day 2013.
Westpac Group has partnered with UN Women Australia for the last three years and the partnership is part of the Westpac Group’s signature commitment to supporting gender equity in the workplace and economic security for women.
PwC has also been in partnership with UN Women Australia for the past four years. The partnership is part of the firm’s broader commitment to fostering a culture that celebrates and embraces diversity.
The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is UN Women Australia’s Government Partner for International Women’s Day.
“AusAID is working with UN Women Australia to raise awareness of the severity of violence against women across the world,” said AusAID’s Director General Peter Baxter.
“Australia is committed to being part of the global effort to end violence against women, and has made it a key priority of Australia’s aid program.”
