Meg's update: 11-23-10:International Day-Eliminate Violence Against Women

Today's meeting brought together outstanding speakers addressing ongoing cooperation from all sectors to protect women, on all levels, from violence. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the UN, asked for everyone's involvement in this quest. Mr. Joseph Goddard, Ambassador from Barbados, told of its gov't declaring a zero tolerance policy on domestic violence, and many programmes aimed at reducing this offense. Ms. Michelle Bachelet, Director of UN Women, spoke passionately of the urgency to raise women's basic human rights, socially, economically, politically, and financially. Challenges highlighted as deterrents to these rights are seen in: child marriages, armed conflicts, human trafficking, impunity given gov't personnel. Other contributions shared were the moral responsibility that all have to protect women against any form of violence; governments, together with civil society, must work together for the full development of women throughout their life. The meeting was well attended, and the messages shared were very powerful. What remains is the implementation.