In Türkiye, 4 in every 10 women have suffered from physical or sexual violence at least once in their lives, and 308 women in 2023 alone were lost to femicide. United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA Türkiye in partnership with the Embassy of France organized a special event to kick off its #ActNow - #HareketeGeç campaign in Istanbul on November 17 at the Palais de France. The launch of the campaign coincides  with 16 Days of Activism, and zeroes in on eliminating gender-based violence against women and children and strengthening efforts to eliminate this pervasive human rights violation by raising awareness.

Ankara, Türkiye – The collective action of all sectors is imperative to violence against women, one of the most widespread human rights violations. UNFPA’s campaign #ActNow aims to marshal all sectors to take action shoulder to shoulder to turn words and promises into action as part of UN’s 16 Days of Action campaign. 

United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA Türkiye, held a special event with the participation of UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador Hazal Kaya and in partnership with the Embassy of France to launch its campaign #ActNow - #HareketeGeç within the scope of UN’s global campaign 16 Days of Activism on November 27th. The event aimed at marshaling everyone to take action against one of the most prevalent human rights issues, gender-based violence against women and children.

The event at the French Palace in Istanbul brought together Consul General of France to Türkiye Nadia Fanton, UNFPA Representative Mariam Khan, the General Directorate of Security Head of Unit on Combating against Domestic Violence and Violence against Women Sibel Özdemir, UNFPA Turkiye Goodwill Ambassador Hazal Kaya, representatives of UN, civil society, academia, ambassadors and press members.

"Violence against women is a fundamental human rights issue that affects everyone, not just women. Men must actively participate in addressing this problem, not simply observe it from the sidelines.” said UNFPA Representative Mariam A. Khan, emphasizing the importance of the engagement of men and boys to eradicate violence against women.

Underlining an inclusive approach to eliminate violence against women in her speech, Consul General of France to Türkiye Nadia Fanton said, “It is very important for women to be sufficiently represented in decision-making mechanisms for comprehensive solutions in eliminating violence against women.”

The General Directorate of Security Head of Unit on Combating against Domestic Violence and Violence against Women Sibel Özdemir underscored the importance of women’s empowerment and awareness on violence against women, “As law enforcement forces, we represent the last step to prevent violence against women. Women’s empowerment comes first, along with society’s awareness on violence against women.”

"We need much more than words and commitments." said UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador Hazal Kaya, and added, "We have been talking about violence against women for many years. It is time to take action. We want laws to be fully implemented so that women can live in safety. This is exactly our goal with the #TakeAction campaign."

The panel at the event discussed the role of partnerships, including the public, UN, private sector, CSOs and academia in turning promises and commitments into concrete actions to end violence against women. The panel included Women’s Human Rights Activist and lawyer Hülya Gülbahar, UN Global Compact Türkiye Secretary General Melda Çele, UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Culture Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Bozok, Journalist Burcu Karakaş, and UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador Hazal Kaya. The session addressed concrete steps that can be taken with inter-sectoral cooperation in preventing violence against women.

Participants found the opportunity to visit the exhibition in the hall of the palace after the panel event which gathered a curation of 16 posters to draw attention to violence against women.

It takes a village to eliminate violence against women and girls. Reflecting promises and commitments into concrete actions is imperative to make a world where women and girls can live in safety. 

#ActNow to #EndViolence.