LocationsUNDP engages youth in addressing root causes of gender-based violence
November 28, 2023
Ulaanbaatar, 28 November 2023 – Today, UNDP, in collaboration with the National University of Mongolia and with support from KOICA funded 'Promoting gender equality in public decision-making and women's empowerment in Mongolia' project’, organized an engaging discussion and workshop titled “Addressing root causes of violence against women and girls: Social Norms and Stereotypes.” The event aimed to raise awareness on harmful gender biases, social norms and stereotypes that perpetuate the violence against women and girls and featured distinguished guests and experts who shared their perspectives and best practices with the students on combating gender-based violence in Mongolia.
The event took place to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which this year focuses on the theme “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”.
Active involvement of youth is crucial in addressing the root causes of violence against women and girls as they are the architects of future societal norms, and their perspectives can challenge and reshape traditional beliefs.
Mr. Badarch, President of National University of Mongolia, stated “Our university is fully dedicated to eradicating gender-based violence. Education is best our tool towards building a society where every individual is free from the shackles of discrimination and violence regardless of their gender in Mongolia” during his opening remarks.
Gender bias and stereotypes are a pervasive problem in Mongolia, and in the world. UNDP’s latest report on gender social norms revealed a painful reality: revealed that 9 out of 10 men and women hold at least one bias against women. Also one-quarter of people around the world still believe it is justifiable for a man to beat his wife according to the report. This is not something that will be solved through ad-hoc interventions but continued and concerted efforts from all sides. As the leading development arm of the United Nations, UNDP is committed to support the investment needed to end gender-based violence, once and for all.
Ms. Lin Cao, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Mongolia, acknowledged the significant challenges related to gender-based violence (GBV) and highlighted "UNDP will continue our efforts in advancing the agenda of preventing violence against women and girls through our support to Integrated National Financing Frameworks globally and in Mongolia, to heighten awareness of the imperative of financing efforts against GBV, and help governments expand their fiscal space and align budgets towards the SDGs – making special emphasis and efforts to eliminate GBV. UNDP will also empower the youth with education and a sense of equality to catalyze a transformative impact on cultural attitudes, creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.”
Distinguished guests including H.E. Zulphar.S, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection, H.E. Katie Smith, Ambassador of Australia to Mongolia, Dr. Khalid Sharifi, Head of UNFPA Mongolia, Mr. Tsaschiher Makhbal, Head of Men Healthy Family NGO, and Ms. Sanchir Dorjderem, National Centre Against Violence took part in the panel discussion sharing their perspectives and expertise on ways to counter harmful social norms and stereotypes.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
For further inquiries:
Erdenesukh Otgonbayar | Communications Analyst | UNDP in Mongolia | erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org
