Chioma Umeha
Women from the UNAIDS Secretariat have dissociated
themselves from recent media report quoting a staff member as having said that
the organisation had allowed a “sexist culture where women are more window dressing
than actually recognised for their performance”
It also discredited the claims of the staff that
there is “an expectation to trade sexual favours for promotions and other
advancements.”
A statement from more than 200 women at the UNAIDS
Secretariat, said they categorically reject the portrayal as it did not
represent their experience of working at UNAIDS and diminishes and discredits
them as professionals and many years of dedicated service.
“We strongly believe that no one person can speak
to our individual experiences or our values - especially without
our collaboration and consent. We represent a diversity of culture, race,
ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, HIV status and expertise.
“We are united by our commitment to the AIDS
response, women’s empowerment and the right to live free
from violence and harassment.
“We support and stand by all people who have
experienced sexual harassment.
“We are active and committed participants in the
process of change at UNAID to ensure an inclusive environment with zero
tolerance for all forms of harassment,” they said in a statement made available
to DAILY INDEPENDENT on weekend.
They said they stood in solidarity with the AIDS
response - one of the most remarkable responses to an epidemic in modern
history and were proud to work for UNAIDS and the people they serve through
their work, bringing hope, dignity and health to millions around the world.
The statement was signed by 205 women (and
counting) from UNAIDS Offices across the world from every level and every
continent.
