IVD in Latin America and the Caribbean: national fora and awards recognize the power of volunteerism
Since 1985, we have celebrated volunteer efforts around the world every year on International Volunteer Day (IVD), 5 December. This year, the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme launched the global campaign Volunteer Now for a Common Future which highlights the importance of volunteering now to achieve the changes we want to see in the future. Together with representatives of governments, UN entities, funds, programmes and others, we thanked volunteers around the world for their work, and invited yet more to be part of the movement towards change. Check out our social media to view the 32 testimonials we published on the occasion, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
The celebrations we had in the region were as diverse as they were engaging.
As 2021 draws to a close, here are some of UNV's highlights
As the year 2021 draws to a close, we reflect on the highlights of our achievements. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the climate emergency, working in countries in crises and so much more, this year has been special for UNV, with our outstanding partnerships and significant milestones.
With sincere thanks for the continued support of our partners, we reflect on partnership highlights with four of our UN partners – the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Women, UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Having "a life-changing experience" in Cabo Verde
In recent years, Cabo Verde has pursued gender mainstreaming to prioritize equality for women and combat gender-based violence in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 5. UN Volunteer Roxane Sardi (Luxembourg) serves as a UN Gender Officer within the Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO), working on gender based violence at a time when it has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
By introducing a law against gender-based violence in 2011 and adopting a positive discrimination approach, progress made in Cabo Verde has been encouraging. Unfortunately, entrenched patriarchal gender stereotypes persist and many of these have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
More women were isolated at home and many social services closed, which resulted in the increased vulnerability of women and girls to domestic abuse and other forms of violence. Work continues to recover these gains and promote greater equality for women in Cabo Verde.