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Thursday, November 25, 2010 - 06.02 GMT |
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Remove societal menaces to protect women -
President |
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The increase of violence against women in many societies is due in large measure to the dual problems of alcohol and drug abuse. Our government has a clear commitment to fight this dual societal menace, and by this improve the protection of women in our society, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women which falls today (25).
The elimination of violence against women also requires important attitudinal changes in society which come from better education, health and welfare services which are also given priority in Sri Lankan policy today, he said.
Following is the message:
I am pleased to send this message on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Sri Lanka recognizes the need for the universal application to women of the rights and principles with regard to equality, security, liberty, integrity and dignity of all human beings, accepted by the United Nations in its Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
With the defeat of terrorism, under which women were the most traumatized due to their use in combat, as suicide killers and the forcible use of children for armed conflict, Sri Lanka has taken a major step forward in the protection of women from violence.
It is noteworthy that Sri Lanka is ranked high worldwide on gender equality for the fourth consecutive year by being among the top 20 in the Gender Equality report 2010 of the World Economic Forum. It also ranks highest in all of South Asia and also standing above many nations of the developed world.
The increase of violence against women in many societies is due in large measure to the dual problems of alcohol and drug abuse. Our government has a clear commitment to fight this dual societal menace, and by this improve the protection of women in our society.
The elimination of violence against women also requires important attitudinal changes in society which come from better education, health and welfare services which are also given priority in Sri Lankan policy today.
I commend the work of the Sri Lankan organizations that are genuinely committed to the cause of safeguarding and uplifting the rights of women and eliminating violence against women in all forms.
I wish that the events today would further help increase awareness for the total elimination of violence against women.
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