Together for Girls We can end Sexual Violence Michele Moloney-Kitts Managing Director, Together for Girls Together for girls We can end sexual violence

Sexual violence – Global Data An estimated 150 million girls and 73 million boys experienced sexual violence in On average, up to 30 percent of women report their first sexual experience was forced. For girls under 15 at the time of their sexual initiation, up to 45 percent report that the experience was forced. UNICEF’s estimates, over 64 million women aged years, or about 1 out of 3, were married or in union before the age of 18. Sexual violence directly affects the future of girls: ▫three times more likely to have an unwanted pregnancy and girls under 15 are five times more likely to die in childbirth. ▫higher risk of STD and HIV - in Swaziland more than three times the risk ▫higher school drop-out rates affecting large issues of economic growth

Violence Against Children Social, emotional, & cognitive impairment Adoption of health-risk behaviors Disease, disability, and social problems Early death The influence of violence against children throughout life Birth Death

Sexual Violence Prior to Age 18 Reported by Females 13–24 Years of Age, Swaziland and Tanzania Percent [Given that this is a non-technical, non-expert audience, I wonder whether a slide of this type may make people uncomfortable. I don’t suggest omitting it, but keep in mind the difference between this audience and the S. Africa audience.]

Challenges in the Response Age (years) Post-Rape Care Utilization Post-Rape Care Utilization Rate

Risk Factors for Girls Lower social status ▫Increases vulnerability to violence and sexual abuse ▫Reduces protective networks leading to social isolation Socio-cultural norms and practices ▫ Silences open discussion about sexual violence and stigmatizes victims Physical and sexual violence is increased with alcohol abuse

Together for Girls A Unique Partnership

Together for Girls Three pillars of a comprehensive response Conduct national surveys and collect data ▫Led locally by governments and civil society Support coordinated program actions at the country level ▫Builds on existing platforms ▫Policy and legal reform ▫Prevention ▫Services for survivors Lead global advocacy and public awareness ©UNICEF/NYHQ /Haviv

Government-led response – Swaziland and Tanzania Swaziland ▫Established a child friendly corner with trained staff in all police stations in the country ▫Trained the Ministry of Justice staff ▫Trained Staff of 10 major hospitals/facilities in the country on the case management of sexual violence ▫Instituted legal reforms Tanzania ▫National multi-sectoral plan – led by the Ministry of Social Affairs, includes government and civil society Kenya, Zimbabwe, Haiti, Philippines, Vietnam – incorporating planning for national strategies from the outset

What can the private sector do? Contribute to Together for Girls and support our work on the ground Talk about violence, sexual violence, and the consequences to help destigmatize the issue Workplace programs - prevention and care; ▫Early childhood development and parenting support ▫Engaging men and boys in the response; address alcohol as an issue ▫Where women are the workforce be conscious of risks to and from work; support comprehensive post-rape care services Support local organizations working to address the issue

TOGETHER We can end sexual violence and build a future where girls are safe, healthy and valued