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UNIDAS: Together for women’s rights and Democracy
Eröffnungsveranstaltung der UNIDAS-Woche, © Thomas Trutschel/photothek.de
UNIDAS links women from Latin America, the Caribbean and Germany. The aim is to strengthen women’s political participation and rights. During this year’s UNIDAS Week, the Unidas Prize for Women’s Rights and Democracy is being presented for the first time – to the activists of #NiUnaMenos.
#NiUnaMenos – “Not one woman less”. This slogan spread rapidly across Latin America in 2015. It was an outcry against violence against women and a reaction to the murders of young girls and mothers, often committed by their partners (femicides). Thousands took to the streets. Having originated in Argentina, what emerged was probably the biggest women’s movement in Latin America. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has today (22 March) presented the UNIDAS Prize to activists from the movement. Hinde Pomeraniec, Ingrid Beck, Ana Correa and Mariana Carbajal accepted the Prize, which is worth €10,000, on behalf of thousands of other campaigners. Foreign Minister Baerbock praised their work:
They have shown that if we stand together, we can achieve much more than if we fight alone. That is the spirit that our network stands for: united – Unidas!
UNIDAS: A network to strengthen women’s rights
Democracy thrives on participation. In particular, this means women having an equal say in political decision-making. At this year’s UNIDAS Week, female decision-makers, activists and politicians from Latin America, the Caribbean and Germany are meeting to intensify cooperation for women’s rights and democracy. The week of events was opened by Foreign Minister Baerbock along with the Foreign Minister of Chile, Antonia Urrejola:
This isn’t about excluding, but about including people.
This isn’t a question of hearing fewer voices, but MORE voices – all the voices of society.
After all, it cannot be healthy for any country, economy or society if half of the population are unable to have their say as equals.
The fight for equality is therefore in the best interests of each and every society. We must wage it together, in Germany and in Latin America and the Caribbean – with all people, regardless of their gender.
UNIDAS Week will concentrate on networking stakeholders from Latin America and Europe. Specifically, it will look at the role of women in conflicts and conflict prevention, as well as the impact of climate change on women’s rights. Because it is clear that women are particularly affected by conflicts and climate change, but also that they can play a special part in actively improving matters, if they are allowed to. The discussions during UNIDAS Week will also focus on violence against women, and its prevention, for instance through measures to strengthen women’s rights. Around 200 participants from 34 countries were present at the event in Berlin or joining online.
