25 November marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. To highlight the day, the president of the Gender Equality Committee of Co-operatives of the Americas, Xiomara Núñez de Céspedes sent out a message about the role of co-operatives in eliminating the violence against women.
Statistics reveal that one in three women experience violence at some point in their lives.
“Our aim should be to focus on reducing inequality and poverty in the most dispossessed sectors of our countries, promoting a systemic education that places people first, leading initiatives required to achieve a balance of power and in which all human beings participate, no matter their gender, race or religious affiliation.
“This day has the objective to create awareness among people that would lead to a change in behaviour towards more tolerance and living in harmony,” said Ms Núñez de Céspedes, adding that governments had to pass legislation to impose harsh punishments legislation on violence against women.
“Co-operatives from across the world should take advantage of this opportunity to set out goals to educate and raise awareness on respect and the integration of women and girls, by giving an example of equality and fairness in their organisation.” The full text is available on Co-operatives of the Americas’ website. (in Spanish)
Photo: Xiomara Núñez de Céspedes
