UN Iraq speech by SRSG Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, at the launch of the 16 days of activism campaign to address violence against women and girls, delivered on her behalf by Sandra Lattouf, Resident Coordinator A.I. for Iraq

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished guests,

It is a pleasure to be part of the launch of this 16 days of activism campaign to address violence against women and girls.

Now, I think that the global theme of this year’s campaign, which focuses on investing to prevent violence against women and girls, is particularly resonant. Across the globe, including here in Iraq.

The harsh reality is: one in three women experience physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. And the costs are extremely high. In so many ways. Hence, preventing such violence is key.

Key to the women and girls first and foremost, as their suffering is unimaginable. But also key to families, communities and society at large.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Late last year, an ambitious programme was adopted by Iraq’s Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. As I stated in my most recent briefing to the Security Council: in the period which followed, the country saw the emergence of several important steps and promising initiatives poised to improve service delivery, boost economic growth and enhance wellbeing across all sectors of society.

And I sincerely hope that all Iraqis will stand to benefit from the possibilities ahead – including Iraqi women and girls. Particularly since the government programme explicitly includes goals to empower and protect them.

That said, and as we all know, it will not be an easy feat – let alone a given. In a complex and fast evolving environment, such commitments all too often get pushed aside for competing priorities.

So, yes, an event like this one can act as a necessary reminder of the work we all must do. Violence against women and girls will not tackle itself. Relentless efforts are needed to prevent and address it. Through various means. And, at the end of the day, eliminating such violence is all about investing our collective will, resources and time so as to bring about lasting change.

Now, when we speak about violence against women and girls, what are we really talking about?

• Of course, the very real threat of physical and sexual violence still awaits many women in society.
• This is true, also, for other forms of violence, such as emotional abuse, which can manifest as efforts to degrade, control, shame or humiliate.
• Threats, intimidation and harassment are also included.

All are too often part and parcel of a woman’s life... And while exclusion and marginalization can be driving factors, women in halls of power are certainly not immune.

Sadly, these acts of violence can happen anywhere. In homes, in communities, in workplaces, in governance structures – no space or area is exempt.

When preparing for this event, I was glad to learn of the focus placed on enhancing the role of women in decision-making processes. The connection between violence against women, and women’s participation is not one which is always made. But, let us think about it for a moment.

Take, for example, a woman experiencing violence in her own home – whether physical or emotional. It’s not hard to see why she may have a harder time than others in casting her vote during elections or in participating in community-based governance.

Another example: a woman thinking of putting herself forward in local or national elections. If she thinks this will result in protection risks, whether through online abuse or the threat of harassment or intimidation, she might think twice. And, we must remember that there are also structural forms of violence – ways in which women are systematically excluded from the tables around which big decisions are made.

It is crystal clear that no country can achieve its goals – whether political, economic or social – without the participation and leadership of its women. And, it is just as clear that efforts to support women to assume their role as decisionmakers must take place alongside initiatives to address all violence against them.

Now - what needs to be done? To name just a few steps:

• First and foremost, laws will have to change. For instance, it is high time that a law against domestic violence is adopted. Accountability and adequate support to survivors amount to the very least Iraqi women and girls deserve.
• Tailored policies and strategies will also prove crucial. And, here, UN Iraq has been glad to partner with the Iraqi Government in developing a strategy to counter hate speech, which will include elements targeting violence against women.
  
  This is one example of policy change that will help to lessen the threat of violence facing women who put themselves forward in leadership positions.
• Thirdly, taking up again the theme of investment: we need to, as they say, put our money where our mouth is. Talking is not enough; there must be investment in government and civil society institutions which have the expertise to advance women’s rights, participation and empowerment. And this needs to encompass the provision of services critical to survivors of violence, including psychosocial and livelihood support.
• Fourthly, we must ensure that our messages today are not, simply, confined to events like this one. In other words: sensitization is key to preventing violence against women and girls. There have been many successful examples of awareness-raising campaigns led by government and civil society actors, which the United Nations has been proud to support. But we must see more – across all channels and mediums, from print news to townhalls to television shows. The role of the media is critical in this respect.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As I said: in Iraq, today, opportunities abound. This is as true for women and girls, as it is for men and boys.

But opportunities are only as strong as the efforts made to harness them.

So, let us take inspiration from each other today and recommit to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.

Thank you.