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ARGENTINA | 14-12-2017 12:37

Mobile operators to make phone calls to fight gender-based violence free

Firms to support National Women’s Institute of the Argentine Ministry of Social Development in fight to eradicate violence against women, ensuring that calls to line 144 are free of charge for all mobile users in Argentina.

Mobile operators have said they will support the government’s bid to tackle gender violence, by making calls from mobile phones to a helpline free of charge.

Claro, Personal and Movistar have all pledged that calls to line 144 will not costs users anything, supporting the National Women’s Institute of the Ministry of Social Development’s (INAM) efforts to eradicate violence against women.

Operating nationwide, line 144 provides information, guidance, advice and support for women in situations of violence across Argentina 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, free of charge. To ensure a comprehensive, coherent response to gender-based violence, the 144 team is comprised of operators and coordinators, most of whom are professional psychologists and social workers trained to address violence against women.

Any woman who is in a situation of violence or has a relative, friend or acquaintance in this situation can call 144 for advice and support. The 144 number is managed by the National Women’s Institute, which makes government resources available for anyone who is suffering violence and seeks public collaboration to help women leave this situation behind.

“The first line of attack to combat violence against women is contact: the first voice that listens to you, supports you and knows how to talk to you and guide you. That’s what 144 is all about,” said Victoria Morales Gorleri, Under-Secretary of Social Responsibility for Sustainable Development, Ministry of Social Development.

In a joint initiative with the Ministry, the trio of firms signed a letter of commitment to support comprehensive protection initiatives to prevent and eradicate violence against women. 

The announcement was made this week by GSMA, a company that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, as part of the group’s We Care campaign, which focuses on mobile industry actions to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Empowering women and girls is fundamental for the development of society, and mobile technology is an excellent tool for tackling gender-based violence,” said Sebastián Cabello, Head of Latin America, GSMA.

- AP/BUSINESS WIRE

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