On occasion of the International Day of International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, President Luis Abinader announced the Presidency will be submitting comprehensive legislation to combat violence against women. The bill will be part of the National Plan for Prevention and Attention to Violence against Women of the new administration.
In presenting the plan on 24 November, President Abinader said the initiative seeks to install a comprehensive system to protect and guarantee the right of all women to a life free of violence.
He also announced a specialized police force will be created to respond to cases of gender violence in a rapid and timely manner.
President Abinader spoke on the occasion of the anniversary of the murder of the three Mirabal sisters, Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa for their efforts to combat dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Also murdered was their chauffeur, Rufino Cruz. The murder took place on 25 November 1960. It was the tipping point for the subsequent murder of Trujillo. The United Nations established the 25th of November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in commemoration of the three brave women.
On Tuesday, 24 November, President Abinader was also present for the launching of a program funded by the European Union to reduce gender violence and inequality in the country. The program is for EUR5 million. Women Minister Mayra Jiménez signed the “Coordination in the prevention of gender violence in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDA) in the Dominican Republic” program.
European Union ambassador Gianluca Grippa explained the program seeks to address the problem from a perspective of prevention by supporting government efforts in this direction. Grippa tweeted that the European Union is committed to work with the Abinader government, civil society and the private sector in building gender equality. He said the new gender action plan promotes a more fair society.
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Z101 Digital
25 November 2020