Khuk Khak, Phang Nga, Thailand - 26 November 2011 – A ceremony observing the UN-sponsored International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was held in southern Thailand, Phang Nga Province, Takupa District, at the Htonkamin Myanmar Migrant School on November 26. There were 80 participants in attendance.

The ceremony was organized by the Women’s Educational Development Association (WEDA), a program created by its mother organization, The Foundation for Education & Development (FED). Under FED’s auspices, WEDA advances women’s rights education, health education and counseling, as well as vocational skills training among female Burmese migrant workers resident in Thailand.

FED Deputy Director, Mrs. Daw Po Po, said that, “The purpose of the observance is to allow those women who have suffered gender-related violence to come forward in order to receive aid, as well as to raise consciousness—especially among young people, male and female alike of the unacceptability of violence against women.

WEDA Coordinator, Mrs. Daw Myit Sein, elaborated: “We explained to the Burmese women in attendance exactly what constitutes abuse, whether it be physical or verbal, how to protect oneself from it, and how and where to seek help if needed.”

During the ceremony, one female Burmese migrant graphically shared her own experiences of domestic violence.

Ms Ma Mi Gane, one of attendees, said, “Before I attended this event I believed that I was not to interfere if I observed an abusive encounter between husband and wife. But now I know how to help in cases where women are subjected to violence.”

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The observance featured a short history of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and its connection with International Women’s Day and the White Ribbon Campaign in support of it. There were also quizzes and a dance performance by students of the Htonkamin School. The ceremony drew to a close with the singing of the song White Ribbon.

By resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and invited governments, international organizations and NGOs to organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the problem on that day.

“Violence against women and girls takes many forms and is widespread throughout the globe. […] On this International Day, I urge governments and partners around the world to harness the energy, ideas and leadership of young people to help us to end this pandemic of violence. Only then will we have a more just, peaceful and equitable world.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

25 November 2011

The Foundation for Education and Development or FED (formerly Grassroots HRE) works to promote education, human rights, and the development of safe working environments for Burmese migrant workers and their families in Thailand. FED programs currently focus on Burmese migrants in Phang Nga, south Thailand and Mae Sot. FED works closely with other regional and international organizations to achieve its goals. For more information, please visit www.ghre.org

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Mrs. Daw Po Po

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United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-Moon has called for zero tolerance for violence against women, adding that the pervasiveness of violence against women poses a serious barrier to gender equality.

According to the UN, 70% of women experience violence in their lifetime, and one in five women will become a victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime. A number of global surveys have shown that half of all women murder victims are killed by current or former husbands or partners.

November 25 is designated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

In a statement to mark the occasion, Ban said young men and boys must be encouraged to become advocates for the elimination of violence against women. "We need to promote healthy models of masculinity. Too many young men still grow up surrounded by outmoded male stereotypes," he said. "By talking to friends and peers about violence against women and girls, and by taking action to end it, they can help break the ingrained behavior of generations."