Shadow Pandemic Action Brief

Key Statements and
Recommendations:
Governments Private Sector International Organizations Civil Society
Rt. Hon. Helen Clark
Hon. Rt Helen Clar
is the former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former UNDP Administrator. Helen Clark
chairs several organizations and serves on multiple public good Advisory Boards. She continuously speaks on
issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Women’s Leadership. Sharing her unique
insights as former head of government, Clark shed light on the governmental responsibility to tackle the
Shadow Pandemic:
Legislation:
To tackle the shadow pandemic, the issue of VAWG must be pushed out of the shadows through legislative
measures. Changing the law to call out domestic violence as an assault is the first step that needs to be
taken.
Governmental Campaigns:
Leading governmental campaigns that carry compelling messages is key to gain the support of other
stakeholders. New Zealand, for example, initiated “It’s not OK” campaign, calling for the need to address and
end VAWG.
Women’s Leadership:
As the proportion of women in parliament grows, issues that predominantly affect women are finally
addressed. The government of Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand successfully pushed for legislation making it
easier for survivors of domestic violence to flee their home while receiving ten days of paid leave.
Women Advisors:
Asking women what they need from policymakers to make their lives safer is crucial. Gender-sensitive
responses can only be effective if women are part of the decision-making and if they are engaged and
involved in designing what is required.
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