DUSHANBE, 26.11.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – The Ray of Light program was launched yesterday in Tajikistan as part of an event timed to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The goal of the program is to end sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls.

The event was held at the initiative of the government of Tajikistan, the United Nations and the European Union in collaboration with the Committee for Women and Family Affairs.

The campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence began also began today. The campaign will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year.

Deputy Prime Minister of Matlubakhon Sattoriyon noted that President Emomali Rahmon attaches particular importance to the issue of women’s rights in society.

“Ensuring a decent life for every citizen of the republic is an important factor in the development of society, but it is impossible if there is domestic violence. The issue of preventing violence is considered strategically important. In order to strengthen the state policy of ensuring equal rights for men and women, and to prevent violence against women and girls, the government is putting much effort,” she said.

According to her, regulatory acts have been adopted, including the decrees “On Measures to Improve the Status of Women in Society,” “On the National Strategy for Enhancing the Role of Women in Tajikistan for 2021-2030,” and others.

“Women are mothers, leaders and hold high positions in modern society. Currently, their status has become even more consolidated in society, and fortunately, today we see that women and girls are active in all state and non-governmental organizations and associations. They play an important role in the implementation of the constructive goals of the government,” Sattoriyon added.

UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan Sezin Sinanoglu noted that the Ray of Light Initiative is a joint flagship program of the EU and the UN that aims to reverse negative trends in violence against women and girls with serious investments and solutions.

“At the same time, it is a demonstration of UN’s development system reform in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, showing that significant, concerted and comprehensive investments in gender equality and ending violence can make a difference in the lives of women and girls, as well as society at large,” Sinanoglu added.

Tajikistan is one of two countries in Europe and Central Asia that has been eligible for funding and expert support for the Ray of Light initiative to launch a comprehensive program to end sexual and gender-based violence through proven productive cooperation with the EU and the UN.

The name of the initiative reminds that violence is often hidden, denied or perceived as something insignificant, and that everyone’s attention and openness can make violence impossible.

The initial investment will be in the order of €500 million, with the EU contributing the bulk of the investment. Other donors and partners will be invited to join the initiative to expand its reach and scope.

The initiative aims to generate new funds and commitments to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women as a prerequisite and enabler for the achievement of all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative is also expected to form the basis of a new collaborative approach and partnership between the UN and the EU aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in an integrated effort and in line with respective mandates. The initiative will focus on responding to all forms of violence against women and girls. Special attention will be paid to the problems of domestic violence, sexual and gender-based violence, harmful traditions and customs, femicide, human trafficking, and sexual and economic (labor) exploitation. In line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this initiative will fully take into account the principle of “no one will be left behind.”

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence began on November 25 and will run until December 10. The campaign was founded by activists at the Institute for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991.

This year, Ray of Light and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign will join together at the national level to raise awareness, promote dialogue, secure commitment, and highlight joint progress in reducing gender-based violence.