UNFPA launches #ErkeklerHem campaign to engage men in advancing gender equality and ending violence against women

UNFPA invites men and boys to participate in to advancing gender equality and ending violence against women and girls in their homes and communities.   

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign which takes place each year and runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), also encompassing other important key dates.

Amid the ongoing pandemic, there is an alarming increase in the already existing pandemic of violence against women and gender inequality.   Women and girls are at increased risk of violence during the pandemic due to limited movement and socio-economic impact on households, increased unpaid care or fear and stress related to COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic increases women’s domestic burden, making their share of household responsibilities even heavier.

Women are more likely than men to work in precarious, informal jobs while shouldering a greater burden of unpaid care, and can face interruptions to their work as a result of COVID-19 making them more vulnerable to shocks. Social protection systems that do not address gender inequalities during COVID-19 can exacerbate the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination women and girls face.

#ErkeklerHem campaign will encourage men and boys to promote positive social norms at home and at work, embrace equal respectful, healthy relationships and support human rights for all.

The campaign will focus on three key areas where men can engage in their families, in the community and workplace:

1) Fatherhood and caregiving – with the notion that men have the right to participate fully in family life and parenthood;

2) Male involvement in Reproductive health and Rights – men play an essential role in family planning, ensuring maternal and newborn care, and serving as allies in women’s health; and

3) Male involvement to end gender-based violence and sexism – men can help prevent negative social norms leading to violence against women in the community and at work.

The achievement of gender equality implies changes for everyone, as gender roles influence the lives of men just as strongly as those of women.  Moreover, research shows that involved fathers feel more emotionally connected to their partners and to their children, and that they live happier, longer lives.

During the 16 Days UNFPA will post a message on all social media channels, including animated facts, statistics, key messages and a call to action. UNFPA invites all men and boys to submit a photo or a video showing how they participate in advancing gender equality in their families, communities and workplace.

For more information, please contact:

Ene Tuyliyeva,

Youth and Communications

tuyliyeva@unfpa.org

http://turkmenistan.unfpa.org

www.facebook.com/unfpatkm

www.instagram.com/unfpa_turkmenistan

imo: +99362 833158

www.yashlyk.info