International Day of Families 2025; May 15th.

FORUM: “Family-oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025.” International Day of Families 2025. The observance will note the importance of the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development and the three pillars of Copenhagen, focusing, on decent work through work-family balance and social inclusion through intergenerational solidarity, attempting to demonstrate that further advancement of family policy in the context of the 2030 Agenda depends on how well issues of family policy are integrated into the overall development planning at national levels. Follow the conversations with the hashtags #15May; #InternationalDayofFamilies, #globalgoals. #Families, #IYF30, #SDG13,#climateaction, #Demographictrends.

EVENTS: On May 15th, from 13:15 to 14:30 PM (EST) at the UNHQ New York, Conference Room 8, the Observance of the International Day of Families 2025 will be held. Under the theme ''Family-oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025.'' The High-level event to mark he International Day of Families 2025 (IDF) aims to:

• Note the importance of family policy focus in the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development.
• Present an analysis of family policies and issues in National Voluntary Reviews 2020-2024.
• Review the major initiatives undertaken as part of the preparations for and observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30).
• Present good practices in family policymaking at regional and national levels.
• Recommend family-oriented policies for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As part of the follow-up to the International Year of the Family and its thirtieth anniversary, the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs has been exploring the cross-cutting relationship between family policy issues and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development concluding that it is imperative that family-oriented policies effectively respond to the numerous challenges faced by families in a rapidly changing world impacted by megatrends. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social affairs will organize the event which include presentations from academics, civil society and urban authorities. The Moderator of the session will be Mr. Masumi Ono, Chief of the Social Integration and Participation Branch, Division for Inclusive Social Development. Register to participate, Get the DF2025 Panelists-Bionotes and Get the IDF 2025 programme!

PUBLICATION: Read the Family-oriented Priorities, Policies and Programmes in the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as Reported in Voluntary National Reviews 2020-2024.

This report analyses the role of family-oriented policies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), drawing on Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) submitted by 141 countries during the 2020–2024 period. Using a multidimensional framework— combining welfare regimes and state capacity, pre-distributive and redistributive measures, social investment, the socioecological model, and gender responsiveness—it offers a comprehensive assessment of how policies that actively engage women, men, and children contribute to sustainable development. This approach is aligned with the People dimension of the 2030 Agenda and provides a broader, integrated view of family wellbeing. While most Governments continue to recognise families as vital social institutions, the number of countries implementing family-oriented policies has declined since the 2016–2019 reporting cycle, primarily due to the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, inflation, and climate-related shocks. Family policies have been most consistently applied to SDG 4 (quality education), where expanded school–family partnerships, early learning initiatives, and parenting support have contributed to improved equity and developmental outcomes. Strong results were also observed under SDG 3 (health and wellbeing), SDG 6 (water and sanitation), and SDG11 (sustainable cities and communities). In these areas, the engagement of families in service delivery, behaviour change, and participatory planning has reinforced resilience, especially in vulnerable and underserved communities. However, serious setbacks were found in SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 16 (peace, justice, and child protection)— including the prevention of intimate partner violence and violence against children, the redistribution of unpaid care work, and access to sexual and reproductive health services and legal identity. Efforts to reduce poverty, hunger, and inequality (SDG 1, SDG2, and SDG 10) also remain constrained by limited investment and fragmented implementation. 

Key conclusions from the report:

 • Family-oriented policies generate stronger outcomes when integrated into universal systems and reinforced by pre-distributive and redistributive frameworks. 

• Education remains the strongest area of progress, while gender equality, child protection, and care policy have seen the greatest regression. 

• Family participation in water, sanitation, housing, and mobility has fostered inclusive and risk-resilient service delivery—but remains underutilised in urban development. • Mental health, climate change, and demographic transitions further underline the need for resilient, community-based and family-engaged responses. 

Key messages: 

• Family-oriented policies are not only protective—they are transformative, advancing equity, resilience, and sustainable development. 

• Empowering families as co-implementers improves the reach, legitimacy, and sustainability of public policies. 7 

• To meet the 2030 targets, Governments must reverse post-pandemic setbacks in SDGs 5 and 16, strengthen efforts on SDGs 1 and 2, and scale family participation in health, education, and urban systems. • A renewed global commitment to inclusive, multidimensional family policy is essential for achieving the SDGs and ensuring no one is left behind.

LIVESTREAM: Watch the High-level Events to mark the Observance of the 2025 International Day of Families under the theme "Family-oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025."

International Day of Families 2024; May 15th.

FORUM: “Families and Climate Change: International Year of the Family + 30.” International Day of Families 2024. Demographic change is one of the most important megatrends impacting our world and the life and well-being of families worldwide. Demographic trends are mostly shaped by fertility and mortality patterns. Declining fertility rates result in benefits for families as they are more able to invest in their children’s health and education which in turns helps with poverty reduction and better socio-economic development. Research indicates that decreasing fertility also increases women’s labour participation. On the other hand, fertility declines results in smaller families which are less likely to cope with care and other household obligations. As such in time of unemployment or illness, families have fewer members to rely on. Moreover, low fertility rates may undermine labour forces and social structures triggering drastic responses with hard to predict consequences for issues raging from social security to gender equality. This year the day aims to raise awareness of the impact of climate on families. An Interactive discussion will be held for this occasion with audience participation. Follow the conversations with the hashtags #15May; #InternationalDayofFamilies, #globalgoals. #Families, #IYF30, #SDG13,#climateaction, #Demographictrends.

EVENTS: On May 15th, from 10:00 to 11:45 PM (EST) at the UNHQ New York, Conference Room 11, the Observance of the International Day of Families 2024 and the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family will be held. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social affairs will organize an event which include presentations from academics, civil society and urban authorities. The Moderator of the session will be Mr. Masumi Ono, Chief of the Social Integration and Participation Branch, Division for Inclusive Social Development, The UNDESA will Launch two background Papers: The first entitled “Climate Change and Families” by Lena Dominelli, Professor of Social Work, University of Sterling, Scotland, United Kingdom (presented by UNDESA) and the second entitled “Home and climate change: Understanding the power of home to transform societies in the face of climate emergency” Presented by Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem, Chair of Architecture and the Founding Director of Research at the Department of Architecture and the Built Environment, University of York, United Kingdom. The presentations of International Forum on IYF+30 Achievements by the representatives of: The National Population & Family Development Board, Malaysia (LPPKN); The Doha International Family Institute (DIFI); The International Federation for Family Development (IFFD); The Consortium of Family Institutes in Asia (CIFA); The Instituto de Análisis de Política Familiar (IAPF); The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR); The Generations United Regional Council of Veneto Region. Followed by the presentations of the Civil Society Declaration on IYF+30 by the representatives of: International Federation for Family Development (IFFD), the European Federation of Parents and Carers at Home (FEFAF), the European Large Families Confederation (ELFAC) will be presented. Get the IDF2024 programme!

On May 15th at 9:00 PM (EST), from UNHQ, an interactive dialogue entitled “The Family and the Future of Humanity” will be held; The objective of the event is to provide a platform to hear the views of experts in demography, economics, and family policy and their findings on family-oriented policies in view of the Summit of the Future, and to provide an opportunity for Member States and civil society organizations to exchange views on this matter. View the Flyer

Meetings: During the year; The Division for Inclusive Social Development have organized several Expert Group Meeting and consultations with stakeholders concerning the preparations for the IYF+30. In Asia - The Regional Expert Group Meetings entitled ’’Families and Megatrends: Inter-linkages between Migration, Urbanization, New Technologies, Demographic Trends and Climate Change in Asia was organized. In Latin America - The Regional Expert Group Meetings entitled ‘‘Parenting/Care, Family-Work Balance, and Family Policies’’ was held.

On July 24-28, 2024; The 86th annual meeting of the Rural Sociological Society will be held in Madison, Wisconsin, USA at the Madison Concourse Hotel. The meeting will explore the theme of Reconceptualizing Rurality: Toward a More Diverse and Inclusive Understanding. This year, the Program Committee along with several research interest groups (RIGs) planned field trips to help members to explore and engage with the local communities. This year's field trips are: Lovely Leopold, Fabulous Farms, Indigenous Food and Great Tunes & the Symphony Dinner on the Capital Square. Register Here

PUBLICATIONS: Preparations for and observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family focuses on the analysis of demographic trends and their impact on families. The report of the Secretary-General (A/79/61-E/2024/48)

Resolutions: On the Preparations for and observance of the Thirtieth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family (IYF+30) General Assembly resolution A/RES/78/176 - English | Français | Español | Русский | عربي | 汉语 - General Assembly resolution A/RES/77/191 - English | Français | Español | Русский | عربي | 汉语 - General Assembly resolution– A/RES/76/139 - English | Français | Español | Русский | عربي | 汉语.

LIVESTREAM: The 2024 in-person observance of the International Day of Families aims to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on families and the role of families in climate action. The DESA background paper to be launched at the observance, "Climate Change and Families," stresses that families, as central building blocks of society, have a significant role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

CAMPAIGN: Rethink, reduce, redesign, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, recycle, repurpose, and refuse.

International Day of Families 2023; May 15th.

 FORUM:" Demographic Changes and Families.'' International Day of Families 2023.

Issues for discussion: • What are the impacts of demographic change on families? • What are the current trends in population ageing? • What is the state of care arrangements for older persons? • What are the inequality trends in an ageing world? • What is the state of intergenerational solidarity in an ageing world? • What family-oriented policies have been most effective in responding to current demographic trends? • What civil society initiatives can ensure family well-being? • What is the importance of the Civil Society Declaration for IYF+30?

Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #InternationalDayofFamilies, #DemographicTrends, #15May.

EVENT: Observance of the International Day of Families 2023. Monday, 115 May, 1:15-2:30 PM (EST) Conference Room 11 UN HQ New York. Watch the plenary sessions!

 Programme Agenda of the 2023 International Day of Family "Families and Demographic Change".

Moderator Masumi Ono Chief, Social Inclusion and Participation Branch Division for Inclusive Social Development, DESA

 Launch of Background Paper & Keynote Address Zitha Mokomane, PhD. Professor & Head of Department Department of Sociology, University of Pretoria

  “The Impact of Demographic Change on Families” Panelists: Jonathan Perry Social Affairs Officer

“Leaving No One Behind in an Ageing World: Findings from the 2023 UN World Social Report” Ernest Gonzalez, PhD. James Weldon Johnson Professor of Social Work Director of the Center for Health and Aging Innovation, New York University Silver School of Social Work 

“Intergenerational Equity & Solidarity: Good practices from the field” Angela Fallentine Doha International Family Institute Representative Elisabeth Mueller European Large Families Confederation Representative José Alejandro Vázquez Alarcón, PhD. 

International Federation for Family Development Representative “Civil Society Declaration for IYF+30”.

International Day of Families 2022; May 15th.

FORUM: Families and Urbanization. International Day of Families 2022.

This year’s theme of the International Day of Families on “Families and Urbanization” is to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable and family-friendly urban policies. Urbanization is one of the most important megatrends shaping our world and the life and wellbeing of families worldwide. Sustainable urbanization is related to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and targets, such as SDG1 (Poverty eradication) SDG 3, (Good health and well-being); SDG 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable), SDG10 (Reduce inequality within and among countries). All the above SDGs and targets depend on how well urbanization is managed to benefit families and enhance the well-being of all generations living in the cities.

EVENTS
Friday, 13 May, 10:00-11:15 AM (New York time)

UNDESA will organize a panel discussion that will include presentations from academics, civil society and urban authorities. The event will include the launch of the background paper as well as presentation of civil society initiatives such as Venice Declaration and Civil Society Declaration for IYF+30. A major research paper is to be launched at the observance as part of the preparations for IYF+30. The keynote address by the author will mainly examine current urbanization trends from a Family perspective.

 .

Background paper:

“Migration, Urbanization, and the Family Dimension” by Bahira Sherif Trask, Professor & Chair, Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Delaware

Presentations:“Designing Cities for Children and Families”” by Brenna Hassinger-Das, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Pace University and Science Advisor, PLLAN
“Migration, Urbanization, and the Family Dimension” by Bahira Sherif Trask, Professor & Chair, Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Delaware

International Day of Famlies 2021, May 15th

 

FORUM: ''Families and new technologies'' International Day of Families 2021.

Megatrends, including new technologies, demographic shifts, rapid urbanization, and migration trends, as well as climate change, dramatically shape our world. The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of digital technologies for work, education, and communication. In preparation for the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2024 (IYF+30), annual observances will raise awareness of these megatrends and the family-oriented policies tackling their effects.

 The observance of the International Day of Families 2021 focuses on the impacts of new technologies on the well-being of families.

Presentations

• Technology Use and Families: Implications for Work-Family Balance and Parenting Education 
• Families and Technology: Preliminary Findings from an International Focus Group 
• Pivoting to Telehealth Implementation of Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (an evidence-based home visiting intervention) 
• Online Education Tools for the Family and how to Keep Parents in the Workforce 

International Day of Families 2016, 15 May

国际家庭日, 5月15日.

اليوم الدولي للأسرة، ,15 مايو.

DíaInternacional de las Familias, 15 de mayo.

Journée internationale des familles, 15 mai.

Международный день семей, 15 мая.

International Day of Families, 15 May.

Families in the sustainable development goals implementation processes.

2016 Theme: Families, healthy lives and sustainable future.

2016年主题：家庭、健康生活及可持续发展.

موضوع عام 2016: الأسر، والحياة الصحية والمستقبل المستدام.

Тема Дня 2016 года : Семья, здоровый образ жизни и устойчивое будущее.

Lema de 2016: Las familias, una vida sana y un futuro sostenible.

Thème 2016 : « Les familles, une vie saine et un avenir durable »

United Nations Secretary-General's Message forthe International Day of Familes 2016, May 15.

This year’s International Day of Families falls at a time of upheaval and tragedy for families around the world. The rise of violent extremism, the effects of forced displacement, extreme weather events and other challenges are taking a heavy toll on the health and integrity of families in crisis situations. Even in relatively stable societies, families still struggle with violence, discrimination and poverty.

Families are on the frontlines of our global efforts to realize the bold and inclusive 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They are particularly essential to achieving SDG3, in which all United Nations Member States committed to promoting healthy lives and wellbeing for all at all ages.

Children thrive when they receive love as well as healthcare, education and other basics. During the sensitive time of adolescence, young people need emotional support along with reproductive health information and services. Young lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people suffer much higher suicide rates than the general population, making their safety and acceptance a matter of public health.

In many societies, women and girls experience discrimination and violence within the family, which can have serious and lifelong effects on their health and wellbeing. Family life is also crucial to the health of older people, who stay active and healthy when their contributions are appreciated in the family and community.

Governments must support the crucial role of families in all their diverse forms. They should provide access to reproductive health services so that parents can decide on the timing and size of their families. Maternal healthcare and paternal leave are also vital to enable parents to give their newborns the best possible start in life.

I call on governments, businesses, institutions and other partners to recognize that caregiving is an essential part of family life. Everyone needs care from family members at some point in their lives – and all should be able to provide that care when the need arises.

Promoting supportive family environments and positive parenting through policies and laws can help families raise healthy, happy children who can grow into valued, productive adults.

Leaving no one behind means leaving no family behind.

On this International Day of Families, let us resolve to advance sustainable development by creating a supportive environment where all family members of all ages can realize their potential to contribute to our world.

Ban Ki-moon, Secratary General,

United Nations

 

World Family Organization's President Message for the 2016 International Day of Families.

Dear Members, Partners and Friends,

The Celebration of the 2016 International Day of Families is the first one after the historical adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals by the UN Sustainable Development Summit.

By selecting the theme of this year Celebrations “DEALING WITH THE FUTURE: PROMOTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SDGs AT LOCAL LEVEL, ENSURING THAT NO FAMILY IS LEFT BEHIND” we are shaping our discussions on the essential concept of the 2030 Agenda which is “Leave No One Behind”.

We all welcomed that the Agenda 2030 defined itself as a plan of action for people, for planet, for peace, for partnership and for prosperity and therefore eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimension is the great global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, demanding transformative steps to ensure that no one is left behind.

 Families are a very powerful agents for sustainable development, bearing the primary responsibility for the care, development and protection of its members. Reducing family poverty is the primary and most significant transformative step towards a resilient path, in a collective journey leaving no one behind.

 Ensuring income and basic social security and social assistance, strengthening families capabilities by enhancing access to education, training opportunities, health coverage and access to quality public services, reinforcing family cohesion, gender equality, intergenerational solidarity and it's care­giving functions, addressing violence within families, increasing family resilience against conflicts and wars, building family­friendly cities and human settlements with sustainable production and consumption patterns, are efficient actions to be taken to ensure that no family will be left behind.
In this year celebrations activities let's reaffirm our commitments to advocate for family­friendly policy formulation and for family­friendly services delivery, especially at the local level, and in a very decisive way to include families in the sustainable development goals implementation processes.

 

LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND...
 Happy International Day of Families!

 Dr. Deisi Kusztra
President
World Family Organization

 

Forum :  International Day of Families - 15 May .

  Families, healthy lives and sustainable future.

The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to Families and to increase Knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting Family. This Day has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national Family Days. In many Countries, the International Day of Families provides an opportunity to hi...ghlight different areas of interest and importance to families. The central goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development focus on ending poverty, promoting shared economic prosperity, social development and people’s well-being while protecting the environment. United Nations

Panel Discussion: “Men in Charge? Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families”

 Events : 2016 observance the International Day of Families.

Special event entitled “Families, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Future” on the occasion of the International Day of Families (15 May) Organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), 12 May 2016

 

International Day of Families 2016 Observance

 Thursday, 12 May 2016, 1:15-2:45

UN HQ New York Conference Room 12

International panel of experts will address the role of families and family policies for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

• Safe and supporting family environment and children’s well-being
• Work-family balance and health outcomes for all family members
• Men in families and children’s health and educational outcomes
• Families, parents and youth well-being
• Families, intergenerational transfers and well-being of older adults

 

 

Resources :

• United Nations Programme on the Family
• The International Year of the Family (1994)
• Tenth Anniversary of the International Year of the Family (2004)
• United Nations Trust Fund on Family Activities
• Publications



Population and families - The World's Women 2015.

News :
- "Families, healthy lives and sustainable future " is the theme of the International Day of Families 2016.
- Moblizing for Action - World Family organization.
- World Family Summit 2015 – Transforming Our World. World Family Organization.
- What will the Family of the future look like? World Economic Forum
-  Can money buy you happiness? It depends on how you spend it! World Economic Forum

- Marking 'Day of Families,' Ban urges support during 'heavy toll' of crisis situations. United Nations
- Wars, Conflicts and their Impact on Arab Region Families | Doha International Family Institute (DIFI).
-  DIFI Researchers presented during the Arab Conference for SDGs 2030 - Qatar Foundation

- Is there such a thing as a "perfect" family? American Academy of Psychiatrics

- Normal Functioning Family - American Academy of Psychiatrics

- Learn about more than 975 health conditions and wellness - National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- " When families are strong, communities are strong too".Statement by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (Canada).

- Things you can do if you are having Family/relationship problems back to top. Lifeline WA

- Clinical levels of depression over last 4 weeks, by gender and caring status - Australian Institute of Family Studies

- The Gender pay gap persists almost everywhere. The Economist

- Just how important is sex to a marriage’s success? The Economist

- Family stability in the New Millennium.

- 2016 annual Smart Marriage conférences



Publications : " Family Futures ": Commemorative Publication for the International Year of the Family (IYF+20)

 

 

 

 





International Day of Families 2015, May 15

International Day of Families‬, 15 May‬.
‪‎Día Internacional de la Familia‬, ‪15 de mayo‬.

Международный день семей,15 мая.

‪国际家庭日‬,‪‎5月15日.‬
‪‎Journée Internationale des familles‬, ‪15 mai‬.
 اليوم الدولي للأسر - 15 مايو

2015 Theme: Men in Charge? Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families.

Lema de 2015: ¿ ¿Los hombres a cargo? Igualdad de género y derechos de los niños en las familias contemporáneas.

Тема Дня 2015 года «Ответственность мужчин».

2015年主题：男人说了算？当代家庭中的性别平等和儿童权利.

Thème 2015 : « Les hommes en charge ? Égalité des sexes et droits des enfants au sein des familles contemporaines ».

 موضوع عام 2015: هل إعالة الأسرة حكر على الرجل؟ المساواة بين الجنسين وحقوق الطفل في الأسرة الحديثة

United Nations Secretary-General's Message forthe International Day of Families 2015.

The theme of this year’s International Day of Families – “Men in Charge?” – highlights the importance of gender equality and children’s rights in contemporary families.
Around the world, more women are becoming recognized as the equal partners and decision-makers in families that they should be, thus helping to ensure a conducive environment for the full and harmonious development of children.
Yet in too many countries, discrimination against women and disregard for children’s rights remain built into family laws and Government policies, and prevailing social norms often condone and justify many discriminatory practices. 
The social and economic costs are felt by all.  Discrimination and neglect often lead to violence, threatening women’s and children’s health and limiting their chances to complete education and fulfil their potential.  The cycle tends to continue into the next generation, as children experiencing violence are more likely to resort to violence in their adult lives.
Equitable social and economic development depends on fair legal frameworks and social norms that support the rights of women and children.  Discriminatory laws and practices that do not give equal rights to all, and that suppress women’s and children’s rights, have no place in contemporary families, communities, societies and nations.
On this International Day, let us resolve to change legal and social norms that support male control over women, reinforce discrimination and prevent the elimination of violence against vulnerable family members.  As we shape a new sustainable development agenda and strive for a world of dignity for all, let us stand united for women’s and children’s rights in families and societies at large.

Ban Ki-moon

FORUM : International Day of Families - 15 May

 The annual observance of the International Day of Families reflects the importance the international community attaches to families and is an opportunity to demonstrate support to families. Governments, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions and individuals are encouraged to organize observances of the Day to raise awareness of issues relating to families and increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. Such observances can promote a better understanding of the functions, strengths and needs of families.

 EVENTS : 2015 observance held in New York.

Men in Charge? Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families (English)

Panel discussion on “Men in Charge? Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families”
On the occasion of the International Day of Families (15 May)

Organized by the Division for Social Policy and Development, Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)

 

Friday, 15 May, 2015, 1:15-2:45 UN HQ New York Conference Room 12
Draft Programme
Moderator: Patrick Parkinson, Professor of Law, University of Sydney, Australia
Presentations:

• Frank Furstenberg, Zellerbach Family Professor of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania, “Changing families around the world: The American family in a global context”
• Marwa Sharafaldin, Women’s rights activist & Board Member, Musawah (The Global Movement for Equality and Justice in the Muslim Family) International Advisory Group “Gender and equality in Muslim family law”
• Fareda Banda, Professor of Law, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London “Gender equality and children’s rights in family laws: An African perspective”
• Srimati Basu. Associate Professor, Gender and Women’s Studies, University of Kentucky “Family violence prevention in South Asia with a focus on India”
  
  The event is open to the public, members of civil society, UN Permanent Missions, academics and practitioners as well as private sector representatives. Special passes will be secured for those without a valid UN ID. For further information please contact Ms. Renata Kaczmarska, Focal Point on the Family, DPSD/DESA at kaczmarska@un.org, tel. 1 212 963 4596.

The 2015 observance of the International Day of Families aims to promote gender equality and rights of children within families. It will also highlight prevention of family violence through fair family law frameworks and a variety of programme interventions.
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