To mark the end of “16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence”, the Ambassador commits to work towards gender equality. Most recently, the Ambassador participated in a discussion on regional gender-based violence issues with his fellow Nordic Ambassadors (Sweden - Staffan Herrström, Denmark - Mikael Winther and Finland - Kirsti Westphalen) and speakers from UN Women, UN Development Programme, Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development and UN Commission on the Status of Women.
“These 16 days of activism has informed us about the regional gender-based violence challenges and reminded us the important role women hold in society. Women’s rights are human rights. Therefore, I have decided to join the HeForShe movement,” said Ambassador Kjetil Paulsen.
Earlier this year, the Norwegian Government presented a 3-years action plan on “Women, peace and security” to give priority to intensify Norway’s efforts to promote the women, peace and security agenda. This year also marks 15 years since the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, which has been followed by an additional six resolutions.
“It is important for me to emphasise that men bear just as much responsibility as women for ensuring that the needs of both genders are met in processes relating to peace and security,” said Prime Minister Erna Solberg. Combating sexual violence is a recurrent theme in the action plan.
The Ambassador invites you to join him in the HeForShe solidarity movement launched by UN Women:
“I am one of billions of men who believe equality for women is a basic human right that benefits us all. And I commit to taking action against gender discrimination and violence in order to build a more just and equal world.” – HeForShe
