UNFPA, ASRO Launch Special Campaign to Combat Violence Against Women

In coincidence with the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, Arab States Regional Office (ASRO), has launched a new persuasive campaign entitled: "This Is Not Normal" to push back against the risks of the normalization of gender-based violence, including sexual violence and harmful practices, in humanitarian settings.

The new campaign comes in response to increasing reports by women and young girls that violence against them, especially domestic violence, is becoming so widespread and unchecked, that it is normalized in some communities.

With the strong participation of well-known artists and influencers, from different places across the Arab region, such as Ghada Saba, Joanna Arida, Maya Ammar, and Ala Hamdan, the campaign is designed to counter this alarming trend, amplify the voices of women and girls survivors of gender-based violence, and reaffirm the global commitment to ending gender-based violence, including sexual violence in conflict and providing justice and support services to all those affected, UNFPA noted.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the UN, the UNFPA Arab States Regional Director, Dr. Luay Shabaneh said, “Protracted crises throughout the region have taken a massive toll on every single person, but in particular women and girls who face increased risks of life-threatening violence, including sexual violence, and lack access to essential services.”

“In some communities, women and girls tell us that violence against them is becoming normalized, threatening their health, lives, and dignity.”

The campaign is part of UNFPA’s continued efforts to engage communities, partners, governments, and other stakeholders to implement programs and initiatives to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. Globally, UNFPA continues to prioritize the availability of and access to services, including sexual and reproductive health and specialized medical and psychosocial support services for women and girls in need, the statement revealed.

The term “normalization” refers to a growing sense of collective acceptance of violence against women and girls as a social phenomenon. Contributing factors include existing gender inequalities and the extended erosion of protection mechanisms, as well as the absence of legal accountability.

“The international community must demonstrate a united front in its rejection of the normalization of violence against women and girls, and ensure that their rights, including the right to live free from violence, are prioritized in humanitarian responses,” Shabaneh noted.