Press release: Japan and the United States support UN Women’s Safe Cities programme in New Delhi

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Japan and the United States of America have announced that they will jointly support UN Women’s Safe City Programme in Delhi.  The announcement was made during U.S. President Obama’s visit to Tokyo and his subsequent meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.  UN Women’s Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, thanked both governments for their contribution to this pioneering programme in India. "UN Women and partners want to see every city in the world safe and free of violence for women, girls and for all," she said. 

“This contribution from the Governments of Japan and the United States is important to build a safe and inclusive city in New Delhi, where women and girls can live a life free from violence, and can exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms, including their right to the city," said John Beed, Director of the USAID Mission in India.   

This Programme builds on an ongoing partnership with the Government of Delhi, UN agencies and civil society organizations, especially with Jagori.  It will help to strengthen the commitment of the Government of New Delhi to women's safety. “We will empower women and provide them with innovative safety measures to prevent violence, and also engage with men and boys for transformative action,” said Rebecca Tavares, Representative, UN Women’s Office for India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The Delhi Programme is a part of UN Women’s Safe Cities Global Initiative that spans 17 cities in developing and developed countries. It aims to prevent sexual violence in urban public spaces through strategic alliances with communities, grassroots women, local governments, service providers and safety sector. The United States and Japan are actively engaged with UN Women in promoting women’s security and empowerment worldwide.   

Notes to the editors:

UN Women is the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. For more information, visit www.unwomenindia.org.

Media contact:

Sabrina Sidhu, [ Click to reveal ], 9818717522