Transcript
The UNFPA works to improve access to contraception, safer childbirth, and is leading reinvigorated efforts to end violence against women and girls.
"Let's be clear. When we speak about things like gender based violence, these are assaults. These are crimes against women and girls. And we are very concerned about sexual violence and about any type of gender based violence. Precisely because it is an affront to human dignity of girls and women, and indeed men and boys who can also be affected."
Dr Karem says the agency is leading work with the New Zealand and Pacific governments to expose the causes of violence and teach people like nurses and midwives skills to intervene.
"So that girls and women will feel comfortable in reporting what is going on and talking to someone who is from their local community, who speaks their language and has an understanding of what is going on. So that we can interrupt the cycle. We also have been working with police and justice departments. We have been working with young people themselves."
Meanwhile UN Women is helping Fiji's Health Ministry cope with the burden of domestic violence in that country.
The Health Minister says as the main perpetrators of violence against women and girls, it's up to men to condemn and address it.
Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete made the comment during the opening of the Pacific Regional Dialogue on Engaging Men in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls.
He says domestic violence had long been pervasive in Fiji society and is driven by centuries' old inequality.
"In Fiji 64 percent of women experience intimate partner violence,"
"In the first six months of this year there have been 295 cases of domestic violence which is equivalent to 295 cases in six months or 180 days.
"To be even more precise 9 in 10 times, in all most all the cases, the victim or survivors of sexual assault cases are women. Men are almost always the perpetrators,"
He highlighted the contribution women make to society, saying Fiji's health system would collapse without the work of women.
The Minister says people need to stop thinking women belong in the kitchen and in the home.
"Sixty-seven percent of our staff in the Ministry of Health are women. If we took out the women, Fiji's health system would collapse.
"The days when the woman was the nurse and the man was the doctor is now gone. We have health centres and sub-division hospitals completely run by women."
Natalia Karem says New Zealand's Pacific reset is an important move forward but to really make a difference in the lives of women, it is men who need to step up.
"Men and boys are such a crucial part of this equation. And there is nothing that makes you more proud than to see a Dad defend the right of his daughter to have her full education and take her place in society. Gender equality is as good for men as it is for women."
Earlier this year the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke on the gender equality issue at the opening of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
"Discrimination against women damages communities, organisations, companies, economies and societies. This is why all men should support women's rights and gender equality.. and that is why I consider myself a proud feminist."
Mr Guterres says the first step is to address sexual exploitation and abuse at the United Nations itself, while the agency also works globally to support women to fulfil their potential.
Dr Karem says she is inspired by the leadership shown in the Pacific to addressing women's human rights directly.
"What's great about being in New Zealand is that peace and security is something that you speak about openly. You know I was at Parliament I also had the privilege of speaking with Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters during this mission and everyone is in agreement that the first part of addressing a problem is to stop sweeping it under the carpet. The girl must be empowered to saying what is going on."
Dr Karem is leading the International Conference on Population and Development in Nairobi in Novem
