By Loretta B Manele
Let me reassure that the European Union is here in the pacific as a partner to join forces with you to combat gender-based violence.
Barbara Plinkert, European Union’s (EU) regional ambassador to the pacific made the statement at the Inauguration of the Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and Launch of Project Golkipa at Mendana Hotel yesterday.
In initial remarks, she thanked UN (United Nations) Women for organizing the event.
“It’s very fitting to launch the new phase of this important program today as it falls in the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which is an initiative that the European Union proudly supports all over the world”
Plinkert said the 16 days activism is an opportunity to highlight and recall that we still have a long way to go to break the silence and end the violence.
She stated that in the pacific it is a reality that two out of three women become victims of violence in their lives and gender-based violence is also prevalent in Europe.
Plinkert noted that while EU member states have progressed in combating gender-based violence, there are still significant gaps and challenges.
In this regard, she said many EU countries, particularly in rural areas or economically disadvantaged regions have limited access to support services such as shelters, counselling and emergency assistance.
Plinkert added that they also face like anywhere else in the world, the issue of online harassment and cyber violence which necessitates them to adapt legislation to address digital violence effectively.
On the other hand, amidst these obstacles and challenges, a range of strategies and initiatives have already been successfully implemented in European countries such as in Sweden, France, Germany and Spain.
She expressed that France has launched a system where victims can discreetly report abuse, Germany has been a leader in providing support to others through an extensive network of shelters and counselling centres and Spain has made notable strides.
“Spain has made notable strides in combating gender-based violence with legislation that includes specialized courts for gender-based violence cases, protection orders for victims and a mightier agency approach involving social services, police and healthcare providers”
Plinkert mentioned that the last example of Spain is similar to the great work undertaken by Solomon Islands with the launch of SAFENET, a network of government and non-government organizations to strengthen the referral and coordination of gender-based violence services in the country.
She emphasized that EU is here in the pacific as partner to help tackle gender-based violence.
“Let me reassure you that the European Union is here in the pacific as a partner to join forces with you to combat gender-based violence”
Plinkert voiced that they are proud to provide financial support through the pacific partnership to end violence against women and girls and to share their own experiences and learn from the experiences of pacific island countries.
She furthered that the new Golkipa project will bring together people from different sectors to work towards a collective goal, which is to support more girls and women to be able to safely access sports.
Plinkert said the list of initiatives and actions to address gender-based violence is long and will continue to grow, however they are proud to support this through the pacific partnership.
“I want to congratulate all of you who have worked hard to ensure the success of the program by engaging and working governments, civil society and victims and activists.
A particular word of thanks to UN Women for all their efforts in implementing this significant program in Solomon Islands and several other countries across the pacific.
I would also like to thank the government of Solomon Islands in its commitment and forward-looking approach.
Last but not least, let me also mention the partnership between the EU and government of Australia in joining forces to fund the pacific partnership”
Plinkert emphasized that every action counts and she encourages everyone to continue the good work on Pacific Partnership Phase 2.
“We are proud that jointly, we are advancing to make the world a safer and more equal place for women and girls”
