Run promotes ending violence against women and girls

THE Suva Marathon Club in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific have announced a “Run together – unite together” event to promote ending violence against women and girls.

Organised during the global “16

Days of activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls” campaign, the purpose of the run is to highlight that genderbased violence is a universal phenomenon which takes many forms across culture, race and class.

Chargé d’affaires of the European Union Delegation Erja Askola said all over the world, millions of women and girls were suffering from violence on a daily basis.

“We are unfortunately witnessing a significant backlash on gender equality and women’s rights in various parts of the world,” he said.

“In the Pacific, the global Spotlight Initiative, with an initial EU investment of 500 million euros ($F1.14 billion), aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

“The European Union and its 27 member states stand in solidarity with the victims of violence and will continue their efforts to curb sexual and gender-based violence, including in conflict and emergencies.”

Mr Askola has encouraged people to take part in the event to help raise more awareness on gender inequality and gender-based violence.

“We hope this event and many more actions organised around the region can effectively promote positive social and cultural norms that will go a long way to ending violence.”

The run will take place in Suva on Saturday, December 3, at the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH).