Photo courtesy of UN Department of Public Information

Yakin has served as U.N. special rapporteur on violence against women since 2003. In this role she investigates, monitors, and recommends solutions to human rights violations against women around the world.

She travels to countries both rich and poor, at peace and at war, investigating these human rights violations.

In Guatemala, she was both welcomed and spurned. She visited with President Óscar Berger, and the media covered her trip extensively. Yet, she received multiple threats from Guatemalan criminal elements — gangs — that are largely responsible for violations against women. She was forced to hire a bodyguard who was with her constantly, but the threats did not deter local women’s groups, who used the attention to gain access to government officials.

The results of her work are difficult to measure, but she has seen success. In the past three years, the number of countries tackling domestic violence has surged, according to the U.N. Fund for Women. Eighty-nine nations now have some type of legislation dealing with domestic violence. Sixty of those have specific laws addressing violence against women, up from 45 in 2003.

“It has been a real challenge and great privilege to address this important task,” Yakin said. “The severity and extent of violence against women worldwide is sad, but more women are now resisting it. I know this U.N. mandate dealing with violence against women is making a difference in women’s lives, and that’s what keeps me going.”

Next page     Share this article