Fighting Violence Against Women Imperative

April 07, 2007 - (The Ethiopian Herald) The Ministry of Information said exerting concerted efforts is imperative to fight violence against women.

In its weekly statement sent to ENA yesterday, the Ministry said the government of Ethiopia is committed to ensure women's rights in recognition of the fact that women's are part and parcel of the issue of peace, development and democracy.

"The adoption and implementation of the national policy on women, the enforcement of family law, the favourable conditions created for women to organize themselves in various associations are among the various measures taken by the government." The number of women involvement in decision-making has also shown an encouraging increase, it said.

The statement said despite the numerous encouraging achievements in ensuring women's benefits and participation, violence against women is yet a matter of serious concern for the government and the public at large. All segments of the society, women in particular must actively participate and play the leading role in the efforts geared tackling the problem, it said.

Moreover, it said it is imperative that the criminals receive the necessary punishment and the victims be properly rehabilitated and supported. Law-enforcement bodies should discharge their duties and responsibilities through identifying and addressing the challenges seen in implementing the laws.

To this end, all societies are expected to join hands and exert maximum efforts to prevent and ultimately stamp out violence against women in Ethiopia.

In this regard, it is also essential to focus attention on the slogan of Women's Day of the year; "Let's Stand Together To Ensure Women's Rights In The Upcoming Millennium," it said.

From:http://allafrica.com/stories/200704070105.html