UN & Bahrain vow to counter violence against women

In line with the United Nations declaration of 08 March of each year as International Women’s Day, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in the Kingdom of Bahrain in cooperation with its Bahrain partners including Members of Parliament and Shura Council as well as the National Institution for Human Rights commemorated the day through an official function on Wednesday, 20 March 2013 at 11:00 hrs at the UN House Conference Hall. The function aimed at reinvigorating commitment to end violence against women involved statements from The Supreme Council for Women, the Shura Council, the National Institution for Human Rights and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered by the UN Resident Coordinator. A song entitled “One Woman” launched by UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality & Women Empowerment, in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day was also be screened. “One Woman” is a musical celebration of women worldwide, featuring 25 artists from 20 countries across the globe. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women” seeks to strengthen the international community’s commitment to put an end to violence against women. As part of the effort the UN leads to fight violence against women, UN Secretary-Generals Ban Ki-moon's UNiTE campaign calls on all governments, civil society, women’s organizations, men, young people, the private sector, the media and the entire UN system to join forces in addressing this global pandemic. In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day on 8 March. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women's full and equal participation.