| Women activists from dozens of countries around the world have
attended a UN meeting of States on Gun Violence held in New York.
The International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) Women’s
Network, an alliance of women working to prevent gun violence in
their communities, have taken their message to the UN to raise
awareness and exert pressure on nations to take action against
armed violence both in conflict and non conflict zones around the
world.
“Women’s groups are campaigning to place the human
costs of gun violence as the central concern of governments in
the development of gun control, disarmament and peace building
initiatives,” stated Rebecca Peters, Director of IANSA.
Every year thousands of women are shot, traumatised and raped
at gunpoint, though men are much more likely to be users and owners
of guns. For every woman who is killed or injured by a firearm,
there are many more who are threatened both in domestic situations
and in war zones.
Despite this women are still largely excluded from decision-making
forums. The vast majority of representatives at national and international
disarmament forums are men.
“If we are to achieve peace in our communities, it is essential
that governments listen to the voices and concerns of women, the
majority of who are opposed to gun violence,” stated Ema
Tagicakibau from the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre, a member
organisation of the IANSA Women’s Network.
“We stand with mothers the world over in working toward
responsible policies to reduce the flow of guns and protect our
children and families,” said Million Mom March President
Emeritus Mary Leigh Blek.
“In the 2001 UN Conference on the Illicit Trade of Small
Arms and Light Weapons, women’s concerns were largely ignored.
At this meeting we have seen a huge presence from civil society,
especially women saying no to gun violence. In the lead up to the
2006 Review Conference, the IANSA Women’s Network will be
urging governments to listen to the voices of women and take real
steps to end gun violence,” Ms. Peters concluded.
Contact: Katerina Lecchi Women’s Network Organiser Ph +44
(0) 207 953 7648
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