Programs & Events
Ambassador Williams joins the debate
Amb. Williams and NGO President
Launching a New Campaign against Gender-Based Violence
In collaboration with S.O.S. Femmes et Enfants Victimes de Violence Familiale, PAS Niamey hosted a conference to launch the NGO's new campaign against domestic and gender-based violence and a debate on promoting the new Family Code.
The session was opened by Ambassador Williams and featured two presentations from the NGO's administration. S.O.S. FEVVF is a strong promoter of women's and children's rights in Niger in addition to fighting legal battles on behalf of victims of domestic violence and operating a safe center for victims with medical, psychological, and legal counseling. Promoting women and children's rights is a priority, as both groups suffer disproportionately from domestic and gender-based violence while their situation is exacerbated by lack of education and access to legal counsel. In addition, conservative traditional attitudes prevent many victims from receiving the help they need, or from bringing even the most troubling cases of violence to the attention of authorities. The guest list for the event included government figures, traditional and religious leaders, media, and civil society actors to implicate all stakeholders. In addition, the Ambassador's participation was used to leverage visibility and donor participation. The event was held on the November 23 to kick off the United Nation's 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, and to announce Post's financial support of the NGO's upcoming campaign.