The role of the health systems in addressing violence against women

Violence against women is a major public health problem and a human rights violation affecting millions of women and girls worldwide. It has consequences for women’s physical, reproductive and mental health. Addressing violence against women is part of SDGs (Goal 5.2). WHO Member States have endorsed the Global plan of action to strengthen the role of the health system within a national multisectoral response to address interpersonal violence, in particular against women and girls, and against children. The health system has a critical role in addressing violence against women - a trained health workforce and an enabling health system is essential to provide quality care to survivors and should be addressed in the context of achieving universal health coverage.

The World Health Organization, the HRP and the Permanent Mission of Fiji are pleased to invite you to a panel discussion on the health system response to violence against women in light of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Chair: Dr. Ian Askew, Director, WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research

Speakers:

· H.E. International Gender Champion Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Mission of the Republic of Fiji

· H.E. International Gender Champion Ms. Yvette Stevens, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone

· Representatives from other permanent missions (TBC)

· Dr C García Moreno, WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research

· Dr. Shekhar Saxena, Director, WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

· Dr. James Campbell, Director, Department of Health Workforce