Cleveland Council on World Affairs
Model UN Conference
LCCC, Dec. 4-5, 2013
WHO Position Papers
Topic B: Violence Against Women as a Public Health Issue
Submitted by: The Commonwealth of Australia
Committee: World Health Organization
Topic B:
Violence Against Women as a Public Health Issue
A Global Health Problem of Epidemic Proportions
There comes a time in criminal justice when we must not allow emotion to trump reason,
especially in cases where girls are the victims. In these cases, we must accept the facts as they
are and analyze them rigorously in terms of written law. For Australia, we recognize that
violence against women isn’t just a social problem, but rather a health issue that occurs daily
around the globe. Furthermore, we know that we have to step away from sweeping violence
against women under the carpet, and rather elevate it to the global arena for countries to truly
recognize the negative impacts of this act. It is time for the world to act. A life free of violence is
a basic human right, one that every woman, man and child deserves. The lifeblood of our modern
time is the equality of freedoms that should essentially be guaranteed to each and every living
individual.
One of the greatest issues that confronts Australia today is the violence against women that is
occurring throughout our nation and global full front issue. The reality is that for millions and
millions of women, all over the world, violence is an everyday part of their lives. Rape, battery
and other forms of sexual and domestic violence are such a common part of the lives of women
that they cannot be viewed as unusual or outside what one might consider an ordinary
experience. Such acts are more likely to be perpetrated by someone known to the woman. An
example of one of the most common forms of violence against women worldwide is intimate
partner violence (IPV), i.e. physical, psychological or sexual abuse of women perpetrated by
their intimate partners.
The recent headlines highlight what is the tip of a massive problem. Violence against
women is a serious human rights and public health problem that concerns all sectors of our
society and should, therefore, concern all of us too. Violence can be considered “infectious” in
rape-prone cultures that celebrate violence and domination. The number of annual injuries and
deaths due to violence against women and girls is high enough to demand the type of active
interventions and public policies that have been targeted at infectious diseases by public health
agencies. In this article, we review data on the physical and mental health effects that violence
has on victims of domestic violence, rape, stalking, and sexual harassment. We also focus on the
economic costs to the health care system, business and industry, families, and the broader society
that accrue as a result of the widespread violence against women and girls. Victims' suffering can
never be accounted for by economic data, but those data may be helpful in pushing governments
to allocate funds and agencies to take preventive actions.
School: Lake Ridge Academy
Country: Burkina Faso
Committee/Topic: World Health Organization; Violence Against Women as a Public Health
Issue
The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence
that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women,
including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in
public or in private life." Violence against women is becoming more prominent in countries
around the world and has become a very serious issue over the years, especially in developing
countries. In Japan, 15% of women reported physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate
partner in their lifetime, whereas the percentage in Ethiopia is closer to 70%. In Tanzania, the
percentage of women whose first sexual experiences were reported as forced is 17%, while 30%
of Bangladeshi women have experienced the same thing. Burkina Faso, one of the poorest
countries in West Africa, women suffer from multiple forms of violence. These included the
most common forms, such as domestic violence, rape, and early and forced marriages.
In the past, Burkina Faso has attempted to lessen the frequency of violent acts against
women and promote the eradication of gender-based violence. In 1987, Burkina Faso ratified the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and
in 2006, Burkina Faso ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights
on the Rights of Women in Africa. In addition to these attempts at intervention, Burkina Faso has
three main ministerial departments directly involved in the implementation of policies
concerning Violence against Women: the Ministry of Social Action and National Solidarity
(MASSN), the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment (MPF) and the Ministry of Human Rights
Promotion (MPDH). These departments focus on promoting women's rights through both a
human rights based approach and an after-care approach. These departments attempt to provide
socio-economic, psychological, and physiological care to victims of domestic violence, female
circumcision, and rape (among other forms of violence). Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding,
trained leaders, and concensus/coordination, these attempts at intervention and after-care have
done little to change the social acceptance of Violence against Women.
Burkina Faso is willing to both support any attempt to prevent gender-based violence and
collaborate with international agencies/organizations to reduce/eliminate violence globally,
however Burkina Faso urges that radical action not be taken until further studies reveal a more
accurate percentage of women affected by violence. This is to ensure that the correct approaches
are used to address the issue. Burkina Faso also encourages developing countries to embrace
more peaceful cultural norms before taking confrontational approaches towards the elimination
of gender-based violence.
Submitted by: Chile
School: St. Edward High School
Committee: World Health Organization
Topic B: Violence Against Women as a Public Health Issue
Chile along with many other countries have been faced with the struggle of violence against
women. Violence against women is viewed as a major problem and a violation to women’s
rights. Chile does not view this as a crime and does not prosecute. A study taken in 1990 shows
that 83% of injuries were considered light injuries and were only punished with a misdemeanor.
Also aggravated assault, rape, and robbery where only considered light injuries because they
occurred in the home. Studies show that over 50 percent of women are affected by violence.
Many women are abused just because they aren’t going above and beyond for their partners.
They are also strengthening research to assess interventions to address partner violence. Some
factors that cause violence are lower levels of education, exposure to child maltreatment,
witnessing family violence, antisocial personality disorder, harmful use of alcohol, having
multiple partners or suspected by their partners of infidelity, attitudes that are accepting of
violence and gender inequality. In the past the global fund for women has worked on stopping
violence against woman. In 2005 they received $11,000 in grants towards chilean women.
SERNAM is allowing police to help more with assistance in violence issues against women.
Many chilean women are trapped by their abusers and continue to fear violence in their own
homes.
In the future Chile can ask for help from the World Health Organization. They can also start a
program to help women against violence and ask for money through the program. They can use
this to promote what they are doing and intern receive money towards the topic and make people
become more aware of how serious this topic really is. If needed they could also have a
fundraiser that travels from city to city collecting donations in a fun way. They can also try to
limit violence against women through religion by promoting faith and why it’s important not to
sin. Their government could also put stricter laws so that people won't commit the crimes they
have in the past.
Work Cited
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/opinion/01iht-edlet.4.12490848.html?_r=0
http://santiagotimes.cl/assessing-pineras-state-of-the-nation-gender-equality/
Submitted by: Denmark
Committee: World Health Organization (WHO)
Topic B: Violence Against Women as a Public Health Issue
Violence against women is an issue in today’s society that has to be taken care of immediately.
Not only does it create public health complications, but it also strips women from their
inalienable fundamental rights, or human rights to be exact. These acts of violence cause
physical, sexual and or psychological harm towards women. Based upon recent statistics of
WHO along with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Medical
Research Council around 35% of the women’s population have experienced either intimate
partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. Violence against women can also be connected
to reproductive health, STDs, HIV, and other critical health problems. Brutality against females
can also result in homicide or suicide. In fact, 38% of homicide in females is committed by an
intimate partner. It is more likely for a female to develop depression, post-traumatic stress
disorder, eating disorders, etc. after they have been sexually assaulted. Sexual violence during
childhood may influence that child’s future and lead to smoking, drug and alcohol abuse and
risky sexual behaviors. Kids that are raised in such conditions might suffer behavioral and
emotional disturbances. There is a small amount of interventions that are proven effective
through well developed studies. More resources are needed to better strengthen the prevention of
this type of violence. WHO and other organizations are collecting data on recent violent
activities in the world because the key to solving this problem is understanding it and its effects
on a global level. They have also worked on developing guidance for both intimate and sexual
partner violence prevention. They are collaborating with international agencies/organizations to
reduce and or eliminate violence.
The phrase “Violence is not the option” is well known and it is indeed true. Violence against
women should be dealt with right away. It has a bad effect on society as well as the next
generation that are witnessing these horrible acts of brutality. This issue can be prevented in
many ways if the right resources are provided. The main goal is to eliminate violence at the roots
and in order to do that awareness should be spread. For a permanent change to present itself in
society gender equality should be promoted and more peaceful cultural norms should be
established. Women should be supported not degraded and discrimination against. In order to
achieve these goals these matters should be addressed early on. It should be a targeted topic in
schools and should not be avoided. Establishing awareness from the start will reduce the chances
of it happening later on in life. Also, a stable environment should be established for kids since
most perpetrators had poor living conditions as a child, therefore effecting their adulthood.
Hopefully some of these changes will leave a lasting effect on society and reduce the violence
that has been displayed against women.
Works Cited
"Violence against Women." WHO. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2013.
Submitted by: Ethiopia
Committee: World Health Organization
Topic B: Violence against Women as a Public Health Issue
School: St. Edward High School
Violence against women in Ethiopia has become a wide-known public health issue. However,
with the help from World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Ethiopia can
eliminate this devastating issue. A study was done in Ethiopia where over 70% of woman ages
15-49 reported sexual and/or physical violence by an intimate partner (WHO 2005). The World
Health Organization plans to stop violence against women and support the cause by protecting
the right that every woman has. Ethiopia is a developing nation and has plans to abolish this
issue for the future. Violence against women has usually been viewed as an issue but not an
important one. In the past decade it has become a health issue that has full support from the
World Health Organization. There are many forms of violence against women both sexually and
physically. There have been many cases where a woman was beaten by a spouse or partner.
There have also been cases where sexually transmitted diseases and physical abuse which led to
stillbirths and miscarriages. WHO sees this problem and is doing their best to help women not
only in Ethiopia but around the world.
Ethiopian leaders realize that violence against women is very serious, and that necessary steps
need to be taken to end this problem. A recent convention was held where the Ethiopian
Ambassador Tekeda Alemu discussed issues occurring in his nation to the United Nations.
Alemu said, “Violence remains the most dehumanizing manifestation of discrimination against
women. It prevents women from the full enjoyment of their human rights.” He got full support
from the audience and he discussed ways for the high amount of violence against women to stop.
The African Group plans to educate more females so that they get well paid jobs and aren’t
vulnerable to threats against them. By educating women they can go out into the world and not
be a lower class than men, but be equal and having the same human rights as anyone. The
education could also help teach them about how they should go about with sex. Human
trafficking is a big issue in Ethiopia and is one of the main sources of violence against women.
On average, 30% of women who have been in a relationship report that they have experienced
some form of sexual violence by their partner. Women in Ethiopia need to be informed how to
go about relationships and sex. The main problem with achieving these goals is the cost. Ethiopia
suggests that WHO would provide funding for women to be educated. If WHO were to invest
their money to increase education and medical research to help save women the percentage of
abused women would decrease. With the education and medical help violence against women in
Ethiopia can abolished. The poverty rate would decrease and the mortality rate would be altered
forever. Ethiopia’s relationship would with the World Health Organization and the United
Nations would grow stronger than ever and Ethiopia would become known across the world.
Works Cited
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
http://ccwamun.wordpress.com/committees/
http://www.who.int/en/
http://www.un.org/en/
http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content/9/1/14
Country: Germany
Committee: World Health Organization
Topic B: Violence Against Women as a Public Health Issue
Violence against women is a very serious issues both for human rights and health issues. First
off, domestic abuse is a serious issue. It is extremely common throughout the world, some places
more than others, but is a humongous issue. Although there are cases of woman on woman
violence, the typical topic I will be dealing with is the issue of male on female violence. It can
occur anywhere; in a car, at a bar, or of course at the home. It has even become a part of certain
cultures, not any large ones but male-specific stereotypes can include violence. The facts are
astounding: over 35% of women globally have experienced violence from their partner. They get
even scarier, as 38% of murdered women worldwide are killed by their partner. It is defined as
acts by a partner that cause sexual, psychological, or physical damage. Throughout the world
their is a great variety in how big of an issue it is; for example, in Ethiopia, the percent of women
who have encountered violence by a spouse is as high as 71%. Another issue is forced sexual
occurrences, such as rape, which are also considered violence. In Bangladesh, for example,
almost ⅓ of all women first encounter a sexual act by force.
There are many precautions that can be taken to prevent these issues. One cause is a low
education; it is also an indicator that one is at high risk for abuse. Witnessing violence in your
family can actually also be an indicator of high risk, as it can sometimes make one believe that
this type of behavior is okay. Other acts, which obviously would have a negative affect, such as
having multiple sexual partners at one time or alcohol abuse puts one at the highest risk of
violence. The important thing that is not as well known about violence is the actual health
concerns of it, which are vast. While a simple act might not cause that much physical damage, it
can lead one to self harm and possibly suicide. Another big understated issue is the fact that it
can cause many std’s to be transferred, as the sexual acts are rarely ever, if at all, with use of
protection. What is crucial from here out is what can be done to prevent further issues. School
based programs are very popular to attempt to stop issues, and can be implemented fairly easily.
Several other primary prevention strategies: those that combine microfinance with gender
equality training; that promote communication and relationship skills within couples and
communities; that reduce access to, and harmful use of alcohol; and that change cultural gender
norms, have shown some promise but need to be evaluated further. In order to achieve an end,
legislation needs to be enacted that promotes equal gender norms and support females.
Germany has a somewhat below average issue with domestic abuse, with it affect one quarter of
all German women. The study conducted showed some other interesting facts, like that German
women with Eastern-European parents are more likely to get abused. Nearly half of all
immigrant women suffer domestic violence. The view of the Integration Commissioner feels that
Germany needs to extend prevention services to immigrant women, whether that be through
education or some other solution. Another big issue is the children who see these horrors, as
more than one half of all cases are in front of the kids; which as shown earlier can lead to
problems when they reach adulthood and further abuse. There is a very popular brochure put in
place by “Big Berlin” which includes information about abuse and how to get help and what
your rights are. There have been also serious legal reforms mandated at times in Germany’s
history; for example, in 1999 a bill was almost put into place that would evict men from their
home if they were found guilty of abuse. Currently, however, the law does not treat domestic
abuse differently from normal violence, and about 90% of the cases are dismissed, however,
most often due to lack of sufficient evidence. There is also a Prevention against Violence act that
makes it easier for the victim to stay home while the offender has to leave. There are shelters,
over 400 throughout Germany, which hold about 45,000 women and their children. They not
only offer safe housing but counseling and medical services, whether they are for physical or
emotional damage.
Submitted by: India
Committee: World Health Organization
School: St. Edward H.S.
Topic B:
Violence against Women
Across the world, violence has become a huge problem in our communities and needs to stop.
Violence against women is a large issue in which many people are becoming concerned about.
Currently, according to a 2011 Thomson Reuters poll, India is considered the fourth most
dangerous country for women. This violence is the result of India’s many problems such as; a
poor economy, the disparity between rich and poor, traditional patriarchal views about women as
well as religious and cultural beliefs. Although this violence is so bad now, it is believed that the
ancient Indian woman was considered equal with her male counterpart. In ancient times these
women could be educated and also select their own husbands. This was the way of Indian
culture until the middle ages when the roles of women changed and the attitudes towards women
declined. In the modern day, women in India are being treated very poorly no matter their role in
society. In fact, there have been reports about women being burned, acid attacks, beatings and
rape.
India has been doing little, and possibly not enough to resolve this issue of violence against
women. One thing that has been done is India’s passing of the Protection of Women Domestic
Violence Act in 2006. This recognizes women’s right to a violence free home, also it provides
laws for this to happen. These laws have been made to stop the violence in homes and to give
women the right to a home. The Indian Government and the WHO (World Health Organization)
are realizing problems with violence against women. To try and stop the violence India, The
WHO has been doing as much as they can to resolve this issue. The WHO welcomed the
Declaration of Commitment to end sexual violence in conflict signed by 113 Member States in
2013, by attending the 68th UN General Assembly in New York. With the signing of this
declaration, the member States have pledged to end the use of rape and sexual violence as a
weapon of war. In this manner, the WHO is making large steps to stop the violence against
women. Other groups are also trying to end the violence against women. The United
Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson, Sonia Gandhi said in 2013 that legislations for women's
empowerment were not enough unless implemented effectively. “We realize that by just making
laws and announcing policies would not be enough to empower women. Along with it, policies
and laws will have to be implemented properly on ground,” she said. Sonia was speaking at the
Ahimsa Messenger Scheme, this scheme was mooted by the Women and Child Development
(WCD) minister. “We should end all acts of violence against women” Sonia says “women
deserve our respect and should feel safe.” This whole meeting did a lot in educating people on
what is happening and how it should stop.
The WHO and others have done a lot to resolve this big issue of violence in India. Overall India
is working towards a solution to this issue but they have only gone so far. India has passed the
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and has been making a big change to stop the
violence. Although India has passed a few acts, there is still a very big problem of violence and
with India only being able to go so far with the help, this issue may take some time to become
resolved.
Submitted by: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
School: Keystone High School
Committee: United Nations Security Council
Topic B: Security in Israel and the Occupied Territories
Ever since the creation of the Israel, there have been many conflicts between it and the
surrounding territories. Once the British left Palestine in 1948, Israel declared it’s independence,
resulting in many Arab countries attacking it. Israel fought back and won, gaining more land
each time. In 1967, Israel defeated Egypt and other Arab nations in a six-day war, they then took
over the Gaza Strip from Egypt, the West Bank from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria
and also took control of East Jerusalem. In 1973, Egypt became the first Arab country to make
peace with Israel. Towards the end of the 1980’s, Palestinians in Israel’s occupied territories
began to protest Israel’s rule, leading to the current conflicts that we are facing now. Palestine
and Israel have agreed to a two-state solution but are still trying to agree on where the borders
lay and settlement policies between the two nations.
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is aware of the still unresolved peace talks that are taking
place between the State of Israel and the State of Palestine. Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister, Jean
Asselborn, stated in Spiegel Online International, “In the interest of the Palestinians as well as
Israeli children, a prospect for peace needs finally to be created.” The discontinuation of the
settlements that Israel is building will also help with the continuation of the much needed peace
talks that have been becoming harder to agree on.
Israel’s construction in East Jerusalem and on the West Bank are problematic for any peace talks
in the future. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg hopes for the cessation of the these settlements
and also for Israel and Palestine to cooperatively work together and take the next necessary step
to create two states, which will lead to peace in Israel. The two nations need to come together
and agree on a situation that both governments can accept.
Submitted By: New Zealand
Committee: World Health Organization
School: St.Edward High School
Topic B: Malnutrition and Obesity
Malnutrition and obesity is a problem that all countries, including New Zealand have felt the
effects of. Even in rich countries such as the U.S., China, and even New Zealand have an even
greater risk of malnutrition among its citizens. Dr. Margaret Chan, Director of the World Health
Organization states that," We are seeing a growing wave of countries, at different levels of
economic development, from different parts of the world, that are reforming their health systems
with equity as an explicit objective. They want to reach every one of their citizens with good
quality care, based on need, and not on an ability to pay. They want access that is fair, and they
want financing that is fair", New Zealand stands with these obligations.
The Hunger Project-New Zealand was formed in 1985; Robert Banks Board Chairman of The
Hunger Project said that, "… a relatively easy action for affluent communities such as ours, is to
invest our time and money into the work of The Hunger Project, so that these communities are
empowered to end their own hunger." Through "Scoop Health News'" report, malnutrition is low
in New Zealand by world standards. New Zealand's four WHO centers, have all pledged to work
for WHO's causes. Though the Country's average obesity for people over twenty is twenty-seven
percent, WHO and New Zealand are working together to solve this. Most people associate
malnutrition with not being able to eat enough, but the main cause of malnutrition is, in fact,
eating too much of the foods that do not give your body the proper amounts of vitamins and
calories that keep you healthy. If more young people would learn about malnutrition and its
affects in causing certain diseases such as tuberculosis, cancer in the liver, stomach, and
esophagus, malnutrition could be less of a problem. Usually malnutrition goes through an
untantalising cycle of people being so malnourished they are unable to work in turn they do not
have enough money to feed themselves, and the cycle continues. The more people that become
malnourished lead to a greater economic costs for people. There have even been studies
conducted around the world which state that malnourishment can lead to decreased I.Q.'s in
children and physical defects.
New Zealand being a rich country is currently taking steps to advance in the stop of malnutrition
and obesity. Teaching young adults on the affects of malnutrition and their impact on their fellow
kiwis could stop this growing worldwide problem. Along with other countries around the world
that support the World Health Organization's goal, New Zealand and its citizens are fighting to
stop malnutrition. New Zealand may not be one of the major superpowers of the world but, what
New Zealand does will have a ripple effect, even if it is a small one; so if New Zealand would
take greater measures to stop malnourishment in their population, others would follow in New
Zealand's footsteps.
Submitted by: New Zealand
School: Saint Edward High School
Committee: WHO
Topic: B Violence Against Women as a Public Health Issue
In all countries the fear of women being sexually and physically abused is present. These
horrible acts are fund all over the world, and pose a threat for this and the upcoming generations.
This crime impacts thousands of women in New Zealand. This problem poses a threat to many
women in this country. The New Zealand government has stated that the abuse of women is one
of the nations biggest problems and concerns. In New Zealand, it is one of the leading causes of
injury and death to women. In New Zealand, 33%-39% have reported that they have been
physically or sexually abused by their intimate partner in the past. The country of New Zealand
has recognized the issue and is trying to establish a solution.
New Zealand has recognized this issue, but has not been able to set up a government run solution
for the problem. Instead, some citizens have set up small communities where their identity and
location is kept private by the community members. An example is the Women’s Refuge
program. Another example is Teen Street. This is a program where abused teenage girls can go
for extremely private refugee. New Zealand states that 15%-71% of women have reported
physical or sexual abuse by their husbands or partners. Also, many of New Zealand women state
that their first sexual experience was non-consensual, meaning that they were raped. Even worse,
4-12% of women have reported that they were abused even during a pregnancy. The abuse
doesn’t stop there. Even some of the family members of those who were sexually abused
murdered the girl being abused in the namesake of the families honor. Scary as it is, 1 in 5
women have reported being sexually abused as CHILDREN. The Domestic Violence Act
protects all who are being abused by a partner, no matter your sexual orientation. New Zealand
has ratified this act, but has not held any conventions against the act of Domestic Abuse. On
statistics showing domestic abuse in New Zealand, Heather Henare Chief Executive of the
National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges says “I hope these statistics give realistic
information about the true incidences of domestic violence,” says Heather Henare. Her
corporation provides those who have been victims of Domestic Abuse heal and rebuild their
lives. Something that New Zealand has done is when someone is abused domestically; a judge
can issue to them a Protection Order. A Protection Order is a judge issued order that protects
someone from Domestic Abuse. These are only a few of the steps taken to reduce the amount of
Domestic Abuse in New Zealand.
Domestic abuse is a huge problem in all countries. It poses a serious threat to the new
generations, and poses a threat to the entire world. All countries must recognize this serious
threat. Although some countries have ratified The Domestic Violence Act, some have not. A
solution to the problems of women being abused would start with ratifying the Domestic
Violence Act of 1995. This act is a great first step to reducing domestic violence. Secondly, there
must be more of a psychological repair step that can allow anyone effected by domestic violence.
Also, New Zealand needs more corporations like Heather Henare’s. I also feel that New Zealand
can begin to hold more conventions and rallies to try to get the people to think about the dangers
of Domestic Abuse. These simple steps can aid New Zealand in finding a solution to domestic
abuse.
WHO
USA
TOPIC B
ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL
The next major topic is the domestic abuse of women as a health issue. This topic is something
dealt with very sternly in the US. In their lifetimes, one in three American women will
experience physical violence, rape, or stalking by an intimate partner. There are a vast array of
programs and laws put into place to prevent and deal with problems in this area. Some of the
laws that deal with this are state created laws but federal law states that any domestic abuse
crime that occurs over state line or in Indian territory will be dealt with severely and to the full
extent of Federal law. The breaking of these laws can involve jail time in Federal prisons. There
are many programs in the US that work to prevent future problems or work with offenders to
prevent it from happening in the future. These programs include the Federal Department of
Justice's list of programs as well as others provided by states. Other non government sponsored
programs include the Domestic violence program and the Avon Foundation which work to get
women out of these unhealthy situations and educate others on the risks of domestic violence.
These things combine to create constantly healthier environments for women.
In addition to all of these important programs, it is vital that not only in the United States, but in
our world as a whole that we work on acceptance and attitudes towards women. These issues are
one of the main reasons domestic abuse is still an issue today. The lack of respect towards
women in so many cultures around the world makes these issues seem less dramatic, but in
reality they are much more important than we can ever realize.
Submitted by: Venezuela
Committee: World Health Organization
Topic B: Violence Against Women as a Public Health Issue
Many countries all over the world are dealing with violence against women as a public health
issue. Venezuela, for example, is facing difficulties with the treatment of women. Every week in
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, between 70 and 200 people die due to acts of violence. The
United Nations Development Fund for Women found in 2004 that domestic violence is greater in
violent countries, such as Venezuela. It is estimated that six out of every ten Venezuelan women
experience some type of domestic violence. In addition, several studies have shown that women
who were victims of violence had a greater number of unwanted pregnancies and dead children
as well as low birth weights, premature deliveries, and abortions. It is known that Venezuela is
the country with the most adolescent pregnancies in Latin America. Moreover, the number of
single or widowed mothers is increasing in Venezuela, which means that men are not taking
responsibility for the children they have with adolescent women or die at a very young age. As a
result, this puts a greater economic burden and responsibility on the parents of the adolescent
women, and puts even more pressure on household incomes. Between 1994 and 2007, the
proportion of adolescent women (between 14 and 19 years old) in poor households increased by
eight percent. And the country as a whole shows a trend of reduction in poverty while young
women are becoming more impoverished.
Venezuela currently has a government body called the “Ministry of Popular Power for Women
and Gender Equality” that is responsible for gender equality. Venezuela has also signed onto all
the international commitments to achieve gender equality. Venezuela demonstrates the political
will to achieve gender equality, although Venezuela is facing government problems. The
government’s efforts to curb the problem of violence are inefficient and the absence of effective
policies aimed at young people has widened the equality gap. Therefore, generating a “crowdingout” effect of gender especially among adolescent women. This means that the social investment
efforts aimed at women and young girls are being eliminated or reduced. In order to prevent
more gender equality programs from being eliminated, the nation of Venezuela needs the help
from the United Nations so that Venezuela can improve their government system. Venezuela
could more efficiently and effectively improve the lives of women if the United Nations serves
to support Venezuelan women by changing the government methods for achieving gender
equality.