International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women was held in Mon State’s Mawlmayine Capital on Friday, where locals displayed signs and marched through the capital.
The participants marched from Myaingtharyar Garden to Saykyo roundabout on the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 25.
Led by the Mon Women’s Network, activists urged everyone to cooperate in order to stop rape upon young girls and also calling for the end of the civil war, according to Mi Eain Pakaw, Project Officer of Mon Women Network.
“There have been many rape cases happening to young girls. But the women’s network cannot eliminate this alone. Everyone should cooperate, including young and old, men and women, and respective departments. It is necessary for everyone to push for justice regarding this matter, “ said Mi Eain Pakaw.
Of the 36 criminal cases that took place in Mon State’s ten townships from January to October in 2016, 23 cases were rape cases committed upon young girls. These included the victims as young as 5 years old, with others aged 6, 10, 14 and 16 years old, according to Mon State Police Force Office.
“Highlighted, is the matter of trafficking young girls in Kyaikmayaw Township. As they need our help, we assist with contacting the police station and bringing it to justice, and sometimes sending them to hospital,” said Mi Aie Mon Chan, of Mon Women Empowerment Program.
Since 2012, the International Day of Elimination Violence Against Women has been held in Mon State’s Mawlamyine Capital, formerly known as Moulmein, and other areas in the State.
