Equatorial Guinea Reports Progress On Gender Equality, Elimination Of Violence Against Women

Senior government adviser details new legal framework and nationwide education campaign

UNITED NATIONS, March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Equatorial Guinea has moved aggressively to protect women and girls from violence under the government of President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, according to President Obiang's senior adviser on women's issues.

Antonina Miko Mikue, Counselor of the Presidency of Government on the Advancement of Women in Equatorial Guinea, told UN representatives during the 57th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) that her government has created a Family Court to prosecute gender violence and juvenile offenses and to adjudicate marital disputes. In addition, the government oversaw the construction of shelters for victims of violence and the development of education and awareness programs on gender violence and equality.

The CSW was designed to act as a global policy-making body dedicated to gender equality and promoting female empowerment worldwide.

In honor of the 57^th CSW's theme "Elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls," Ms. Miko discussed how the Government of Equatorial Guinea has worked to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

"Equatorial Guinea knows that despite everything, a lot still needs to be done and therefore reaffirms its commitment to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls," she said. "It endorses the resolutions adopted by this Assembly."

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has ratified nearly all international and regional conventions aimed at preventing, calling attention to, and eradicating violence against women. It has also adopted a National Action Plan to Promote Multisectorial Women and Gender Equality.

At the end of the 57^th CSW on March 15^th, the Assembly will evaluate the progress of the Commission's former resolutions and draft proposals for recommendations on outstanding issues. Participating members, such as Equatorial Guinea, will then work to implement these recommendations and promote gender equality worldwide.

About Equatorial Guinea

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial) is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa, and one of the smallest nations on the continent. In the late-1990s, American companies helped discover the country's oil and natural gas resources, which only within the last five years began contributing to the global energy supply. Equatorial Guinea is now working to serve as a pillar of stability and security in its region of West Central Africa. The country hosted the 2011 Summit of the African Union. For more information, visit http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com.

SOURCE Republic of Equatorial Guinea