Sakai to join Safe Cities Global Initiative

The City of Sakai, Japan is poised to become the second city from a developed country to join the Safe Cities Global Initiative, which includes two flagship programmes led by UN Women, other UN partners and scores of other global and local organizations.

So far, 14 cities have signed on to the initiative, including regional urban hubs such as New Delhi, Kigali, Quito, and another 12 are participating in activities. The initiative aims to share experiences and strengthen or expand programming to prevent sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence in public spaces. Dublin, Ireland was the first city from a developed OECD country to join the Safe Cities Global Initiative, in February 2013.

During the 68th Session of the United Nations’ General Assembly on 26 September, 2013, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said: "Japan respects the activities of UN Women and intends to become one of its leading contributors ... I wish to bring about a society where women shine, both within Japan and also in regions in conflict."

“The first signs of strengthening and deepening the partnership are already emerging, as Sakai City has indicated its intention to join UN Women's Safe Cities Global Initiative,” says UN Women Deputy Executive Director Lakshmi Puri.

She praised the announcement as a signal that further reinforces Japan’s commitment to support UN Women’s efforts to achieve gender equality.

“We are very heartened by Prime Minister Abe's commitment of Japan becoming a leading contributor to UN Women,” said Ms. Puri. “This is a new era of UN Women's partnership with Japan. UN Women's presence in Japan is an important signal of strengthening the partnership. To that end, UN Women will continue close consultations with the Government of Japan and work in cooperation with its partners and stakeholders including the Japan National Committee for UN Women.”