Ambassador
Ambassador's Speech
AMBASSADOR'S REMARKS FOR DONATION TO CASA ABIERTA MARIA PUEBLO
March 10, 2009
First, I would like to thank Governor Daniel Scioli, Mayor
Oscar Bruera, and Minister of Social Development Daniel Arroyo for their presence here today and their support for the outstanding work that is being done here at the Casa Abierta Maria Pueblo. Dario Witt and his staff have developed an integrated approach to assisting victims of domestic violence by offering shelter, counseling, legal services, and programs focused on victim empowerment. He also works with abusers to rehabilitate them and prevent future violence. His efforts have been recognized by the U.S.-based Ashoka Foundation and the international organizations Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Since 1997, Dario and his team at the Casa Abierta Maria Pueblo have served over 17,000 women and children.
According to the United Nations, the theme of this year's International Women's Day is "women and men united to end violence against women and girls." As Darío’s work demonstrates, domestic violence is not just a women’s problem. It is a problem that we all need to address. As leaders, citizens, and parents, we need to insist that women have equal worth, equal value, and deserve equal protection and respect. When women live in a world free of violence, they can courageously stand up for their rights, freedom and dignity. This not only benefits women, it reinforces democracy, advances tolerance, and enables people to realize their full potential. Only when we commit to changing the cultural norms and societal expectations of gender can we truly create a safe and just society for all.
The U.S. Embassy would like to play its part by donating a washer, dryer, beds, pillows, plates, and utensils to the Casa Abierta Maria Pueblo. This donation is made possible thanks to a grant provided by U.S. Southern Command through the Embassy’s Military Group. It is a token of support for the life-saving work that Dario and his team are doing every day.