The Heads of Mission of the European Union Delegation and EU Member States accredited to Myanmar issued the following statement on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which marks the start of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Here is the statement:

One out of three women worldwide experiences violence during her lifetime. This is a serious human rights violation which must stop. The effects of violence against women include shame, silence and stigma, which allow violence against women to escalate to horrendous proportions

Gender inequality and violence against women and girls also remain a serious challenge in Myanmar. We are very concerned by recent surveys revealing widespread acceptance within Myanmar of violence against women.

Keeping silent about this is not an option. We must hear the voice of women, in the workplace, in politics, and in the private sphere of the home. The European Union in Myanmar therefore supports the global “16 Days of Activism” campaign with the slogan #HearMeToo.

Combatting violence against women takes a concerted effort from all parts of society. Since the primary perpetrators of violence against women and girls are men, men and boys must serve as role models and spokespeople to promote gender equality in family relationships, and condemn the use of violence to resolve conflict at home and in the community.

On this day, we join the call from Government, women's networks and organizations to adopt a national Prevention of Violence Against Women Law compliant with the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which Myanmar has ratified in 1997.