Video
Watch a video recording of the panel discussion.
Description
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), Asian Development Bank's Gender Equity Thematic Group & the Office of the General Counsel present a high-level panel to discuss how to replicate and scale up successful initiatives to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV), and ways in which ADB can contribute to breaking the cycle of GBV in the region.
One in three women in Asia and the Pacific region report having suffered some form of physical and sexual violence during their lifetime. In some countries, the number is as high as 80%. Forms of violence range from intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual harassment, rape and physical and sexual assault, to its most extreme, femicide. While the recent media focus on the “Me Too” movement has provided a vital spotlight on the universal pandemic of GBV, the thousands of survivors of GBV remain voiceless and invisible to justice systems.
Gender justice is necessary to protect women’s physical integrity and rights and ensure that their voices are heard in order to challenge the social norms that perpetuate GBV. In recent years, ADB has been investing in building the capacity of legal and judicial systems to facilitate women’s access to justice.
The panel will explore the importance of rule of law and access to justice for women and girls; the role of legal and regulatory stakeholders in creating enabling environments for women’s equality and empowerment; and possible ways to scale up initiatives to build the capacity of legal and judicial systems to facilitate women’s access to justice.
Objectives
To raise awareness on ADB’s actions to support gender justice and put the spotlight on how it is a critical means to protect women’s fundamental rights to live a life free of violence.
Target participants
ADB staff and consultants; partner organizations; general public
Resource speakers
Katrina Legarda
Lawyer and women’s rights advocate;
Founding Chair of the Child Justice League, Philippines
James Leather
Chief of Transport Sector Group
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, ADB
Shazia Munawar Makhdoom
Judge Civil Courts, Pakistan
Hari Bhakta Prajapati
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal
Kiran Rana
Superintendent of Police, Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal
Moderator:
Irum Ahsan
Principal Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, ADB
How to register
Online registration is required before 26 November 2018. Wear orange or a pop of orange in solidarity with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.