Adolescents Network in Ecuador, the Pink Helmets, says NO to violence against women and promotes new masculinities.

On August 12th and 13th, the Itchimbí park hosted the Nineth International Festival of Independent Music
QuitoFest, where 9 United Nations agencies participated and promoted the slogan "I rock Diversity 2011" and programs to reduce discrimination at all levels and strengthen diversity.

UN WOMEN supported Cascos Rosa (“Pink Helmets”), a network of adolescents aged 15 to 18 years old from all the provinces of Ecuador, striving for gender equity and rejecting sexist and violent behaviors at QuitoFest.

Working in partnership with the UN Secretary General's "UNiTE To End Violence Against Women” Campaign, the young people distributed their Neo-masculine Handbook and involved men and boys in promoting gender equity and new and diverse masculinities.

In addition, ONIRICA, the first metal band formed by women in Ecuador, spread the message of the UNITE Campaign. During its live performance on stage, Paola Villacis, vocalist, expressed support to the UN campaign and the issue. She urged her fans to do the same.