A new pressure group consisting only of men, which aims to combat domestic violence, has been launched at United Nations House in Manama, Bahrain.

The Bahraini Network of Men hopes to unite prominent male figures including religious scholars, businessmen, politicians and media pioneers in a bid to stamp out violence against women.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident co-ordinator Sayed Aqa said women could experience violence anywhere, in the home or in the supermarket.

He hoped the new group would raise awareness, but warned Bahrain as a whole would have to change if it is to be phased out.

'The main aim of the network is to create awareness of the problem,' he said.

'We also want to advocate rules, norms and mechanisms to eliminate abuse, but the country has to adapt. Institutions have to adapt to deal with violence at work, at home, in the supermarket, in the malls - everywhere.'

The new initiative follows last year's launch of the global 'UNite to End Violence Against Women' campaign, which is being spearheaded by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

'Under the umbrella of this campaign, the UN Country Team in Bahrain is supporting a network of Bahraini men to combat violence against women,' added Aqa.

'Prominent Bahraini figures have been invited to join the network, which demonstrates a level of commitment that is quite reassuring and one that would help our efforts to end violence against women.

'The diversity of this network, that includes religious scholars, businessmen, politicians, legislators, media persons and others, will ensure commitment across society to end violence through advocacy and raising awareness.

'Inspired by Bahraini traditions and faith, this network will carry forward the message 'real men do not hit women'.' – TradeArabia News Service