KUALA LUMPUR: The 4th Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (Sirom) Walk The Talk 2015, will be held in line with the United Nations (UN) “UNiTE to End Violence Against Women” and the #orangetheworld global campaign, focusing on talks on the elimination of gender violence.
The 3.5km walk around Petaling Jaya with the theme “Men and Women Unite to Stop Violence Against Women” is an outreach event to end violence against women and girls, would also see the support of the Royal Malaysian Police Force, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF).
Sirom’s immediate past president Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam said this year’s event would focus on prevention which includes strong advocacy on the evils of violence against women and the impact on victims, families and society as a whole.
“Violence against women is not something that can or should be tolerated as the trauma on the victims and their families is deep and sometimes irreparable, but ironically it is crime that is preventable,” she said at a press conference today.
The event would start at 7.00am with a symbolic walk at Taman Jaya, Petaling Jaya on Dec 5.
UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia Michelle Gyles Mc-Donnough said all levels of society must unite to eliminate violence against women.
“It is vital that men and boys are also included in the war to end violence against women and girls,” she said.
About 600 walkers from corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations are expected to participate.
MCPF vice chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the awareness campaign should be able to permeate every segment of the society including law enforcement, employers and business organisations.
“As the awareness level is still low, joint efforts between the government, private sector and the NGOs are needed to raise awareness of ending the violence and for the victims to seek help.