Vienna Discussion Forum 2019 on Eradicating Violence Against Women

Written by Laleh Ashrafi

On November 21, the first “Vienna Discussion Forum” organized by the representatives of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime(UNODC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO) to address violence against women. 

Having addressed gender-based violence, the forum called for action on gender equality in the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely women’s economic empowerment (SDGs 8 and 9), and crime prevention, criminal justice responses (SDG 16). 

During opening remarks, UNIDO Director General, LI Yong highlighted the importance of “comprehensive approaches” to eradicate violence against women.”We work together with governments, the private sector, and civil society to develop gender-responsive and inclusive industrial policies. We aim to promote enabling working environments that allow women to thrive both professionally and personally.” Said LI Yong. 

Following Director-General, the Executive Director of UNODC, Yury Fedotov underlined that gender-based violence not only threatens women’s ‘’fundamental freedoms’’ but also impedes the achievement of the SDGs and H.E. Thomas Blomqvist, Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality of Finland, reminded the audience that “the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were adopted almost 25 years ago”, but while “considerable progress has been made, we still have a long way to go”. 

Recounting the story of Mirabal Sisters’ assassination on 25 November 1960, which is marked as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Vienna Discussion forum moved to the panel discussions. These panel-discussions centered around UNODC’s mandate, discussing crime prevention and criminal justice responses to violence against women and UNIDO women’s economic empowerment framework. 

The discussion concluded by underscoring women’s economic and social empowerment along with providing economic opportunities for women and effective policies in order to prevent and eradicate violence against women. Panelists also highlighted the transformative role of education in women’s economic growth and hindering deleterious social norms. Moreover, the discussion foregrounded the development of policies and institutes addressing existing structural discrimination. Panelists moved on calling on governments, civil society, and international organizations to take action hand in hand to eliminate violence against women. Finally, the importance of engaging men in gender-based violence was pointed out. 

The Vienna Discussion Forum will be considered in the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and it is envisaged to address gender equality in the framework of SDGs with turning the Vienna Discussion forum into an annual platform.