UNITED NATIONS: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN’s Women Global Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson launched on Saturday a large solidarity movement in New York with strong calls on men and boys worldwide to raise their voice for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“Over the years, men have supported the women’s movement. But for the most part, it was just that: a women’s movement – when in fact gender equality is the responsibility of all people,” the secretary-general said in opening remarks at the launch of the campaign.

The ‘HeForShe’ campaign aims to put men at the centre of activism and dialogue to end persistent inequalities faced by women and girls around the world. Over the next 12 months, the campaign intends to mobilise one billion men and boys as advocates and agents of change for gender equality.

“States have an obligation to address violence against women. But we also need to change attitudes,” said Mr Ban, noting that one in three women is a victim of violence – but this is a men’s issue.

In her remarks, UN’s Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo said: “I am reaching out to you because we need your help. We want to end gender inequality and to that we need everyone involved,” said Emma Watson in her remarks, stressing the ‘HeForShe’ campaign was more than talk; it was about achieving tangible results.

Ngcuka said ‘HeForShe’ was for every man, every boy, every individual, wherever they were. Despite the dire and very real statistics about the ongoing scourges of violence against women and gender inequality, “men and boys can change the course of history,” she said.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2014