Today we commemorate the eighth day of our activism campaign against gender-based violence.
However, this campaign should not be limited to 16 days.
The fight must be constant every day of the year.
Gender-based violence is a serious problem in Honduras.
I recently traveled to Roatán and was impressed by the number of people who approached me about this topic.
We need to open our eyes and stop ignoring this problem.
Hello.
Thank you to everyone who is with us here today, civil society, National Police justice operators and special guests.
It is surprising to learn that this type of violence is more common than we think.
Maybe we think we don’t know anyone affected by gender-based violence.
The social or economic status, race or origin of the person does not matter.
No one should be forced to leave their home or undertake a dangerous journey to flee violence.
The fight against this type of violence cannot continue to be carried out in silence.
It is necessary to give it a voice and report cases of violence.
I know that for many what I mentioned is already known.
I understand that these changes will not take place immediately.
However, it is important that governments and society give the necessary attention to this problem.
I recognize the work and sacrifice of you who fight against violence, and the courage and determination of the survivors.
The work that you do every day is not easy, it is full of challenges, but thanks to your efforts, the lives of many people have improved.
Today we want to share some of the achievements in this fight against gender-based violence.
Through USAID and its United for Justice activity, we have carried out approximately 1,300 activities at the community level, reaching more than 83,000 people.
Comprehensive service fairs, Community Action Plans, Communities of Practice, among others, have been held.
We have raised awareness about the reporting route, especially in cases of gender-based violence, including domestic violence.
Now women, girls, vulnerable and marginalized populations, and members of the LGBTQI+ community who have been victims of gender-based violence know about their rights and where they can go for legal or psychological help.
Some 1,500 people have directly received legal advice or psychological support to address gender-based violence.
Additionally, more than 1,600 police officers have been trained in preventing gender violence and respect for human rights.
I am pleased to share that soon, together with the Women and Family Development Unit, we will be launching a technological tool that will respond quickly and effectively to requests for help from victims of violence.
These advances are possible thanks to working together with our partners.
With your leadership and experience, we can move forward, fighting for human rights and justice.
We hope that by highlighting your efforts and survivors’ stories, others will have the courage to come forward and that when they do, we can offer our support.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the efforts of United for Justice.
We applaud the work done by the Unidos team.
Their dedication and commitment to reducing domestic and gender-based violence make them an important part of positive change to end femicide and domestic violence in Honduras.
To you and to the survivors of domestic and gender violence, I leave this message:
Count on our support.
Thank you for your courage and the courage to come forward and share your experience with us.
Let’s End Violence Against Women and Girls Now!
No more femicides.
Thank you very much!
