Combating violence against women is a commitment that every Peruvian citizen should take and carry out, said Peruvian First Lady Nadine Heredia on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
“Today we reaffirm our commitment to combat and prevent violence against women, boys, girls and teenagers in its different manifestations,” Andina news agency quoted her as saying on he Facebook page.
Heredia advocated for a more institutional response to this scourge, such as the Women's Emergency Centers serving every region across the country. She also recommended that families and the society in general raise awareness and dissemination of perverse effects of violence against women.
President Humala’s wife said men should be actively involved in the decision making process which will enable a change in attitudes and practices.
Gender-based violence is perhaps the most widespread and socially tolerated of human rights violations, that is why the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations deems it a priority intervention.
On the other hand, Peru’s Prime Minister Ana Jara urged Peruvians to join forces in an effort to halt abuse against women and promote values such as respect, equality and tolerance.
She said “violence against women can be solved, but we all have to get involved to confront such a social problem.”
“We have to begin at home…Let’s do this together; equal treatment and tolerance between boys and girls starts in the house,” she added.
Jara also finds it necessary to involve male participation in housework and promote tolerance, particularly among young boys.
In turn, the president of Congress Ana Maria Solorzano assured the parliament has assumed the commitment to confront this problem through the enactment of regulations aimed at punishing femicide. However, the solution is not as simple as passing a bill; it also involves education and the society itself.
She recalled that both Peru -when compared to other Latin American nations- and Arequipa -where she is from- are places with high rates of violence against women.
(END) VVS/FHG/RMB
Published: 11/25/2014