Secretary-General launches new Network of Men Leaders to combat violence against women

United Nations, New York, 24 November 2009 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by launching a Network of Men Leaders, a major new initiative bringing together current and former politicians, activists, religious and community figures to combat the global pandemic.
"These men will add their voices to the growing global chorus for action", he said, noting that 70 per cent of women experience in their lifetime some form of physical or sexual violence from men, the majority from husbands, intimate partners or someone they know.

"As I launch this Network, I call on men and boys everywhere to join us. Break the silence. When you witness violence against women and girls, do not sit back. Act. Advocate. Unite to change the practices and attitudes that incite, perpetrate and condone this violence. Violence against women and girls will not be eradicated until all of us men and boys refuse to tolerate it".

News story:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33053&Cr=violence+against+wo...

Press release:
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2009/sgsm12627.doc.htm

View the entire press conference (Real media, 32 minutes):
http://webcast.un.org/ramgen/ondemand/pressconference/2009/pc091124am1.rm

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News & Politics

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• United Nations
• UN
• Secretary-General
• Ban Ki-moon
• Violence against women
• press conference
• UNITE
• Violence
• Women
• Anniversary
• Network