UNICEF Approach on Girls Safety!

A lock, a light, a secure shelter, all three have the ability to prevent violence against girls and women in case of emergency, and also provide a sense of security at time of increased vulnerability and when stress happens.
Violence against women and girls is increasing in our country and does not discriminate by race, religion, culture, class or country. Worldwide reports say one in three women have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence, and more than 15 million girls aged 15-19 years have experienced harassment.
UNICEF after noticing all this suggested some points and says that Conflict and displacement only heighten the problem. As girls and women after losing their support systems and homes, are placed in insecure environments and in new roles, their risk of gender-based violence (GBV) and many more things increases.
For International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the following 16 days of activism, UNICEF proposed a total of 16 actions which needs to be taken for taking for increasing girls’ and women’s safety in emergencies:
• Let girls’ and women’s voices be heard
It suggests that Women and girls should be the center of complete design and delivery.
• Connect to those who know, who care
While developing programs, ensure local women’s and youth organizations are consulted and they should build on their best practices and evidence.
• Light the way
All shelters, latrines, water points and pathways within camps should have ample lighting for reducing the risk of sexual violence.
• Make safe spaces mobile
The most vulnerable women, married adolescents, adolescent mothers, and disabled women and girls need services brought to them.
• Equip toilets with locks
All latrines and public toilets must be having locks to offer women and girls security, and there should be separate facilities for males and females.
Several points have been given by UNICEF after witnessing the drastic situations going on in the world and we as humans should know and should help for making these actions into reality.

By: Prerana Sharma
Content: https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/16-actions-girls-womens-safety-emergencies/