Violence Against Women (VAW) is a global issue. According to the World Health Organization, 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner at some point in their lives. With these staggering numbers, Lana Wells, the Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence has been working hard with the Permanent Mission of Canada and the Office of the High Commissioner in Geneva, Switzerland to integrate research and strategies to engage men and boys to stop violence against women.
Lana participated in a panel for the release of Promundo’s report entitled “State of the World’s Fathers: Time for Action” which discussed the importance of fatherhood involvement as a violence prevention strategy. The panel was broadcasted live with over 2000 people watching and listening all around the world.
Wells’ dedication on preventing VAW throughout the years brought her to an opportunity in shaping a worldwide resolution. The United Nations Human Rights Office of the Commission asked her to consult on the CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) General Recommendation No. 19: Violence against Women. After it was shared at the 35th Human Rights Council meeting, where Wells moderated the panel discussion, followed by a week later the new resolution was adopted. This was a huge step for Wells and her team in impacting policy at a global level.
“It was an honour to moderate the Human Rights Council Meeting and take part in the writing of a new recommendation that supports CEDAW. The inclusion of men and boys as co-beneficiaries and key stakeholders in stopping violence against women signals a significant discourse change that needs to happen worldwide,” said Wells for the University of Calgary’s own news media, UToday.
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