Violence Against Women and Girls has to Stop
We all have a part to play in stopping this.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
NOV. 25- DEC
Today the global community observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. How many times have we turned away from acknowledging or understanding the stark reality that women are not safe in our communities, in their families, in their workplaces. Verbal violence is pervasive on social media. We all need to reflect on our own behavior and speak up when someone crosses the line. How many times do we ignore put downs of women in our own circles? Never accept humiliation from others, as that only degrades everyone. Remember, no one can degrade you without your permission.
The Epidemic of Violence-
The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women issued by the UN General Assembly in 1993, defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark reminder of the ongoing epidemic of violence against women and girls, calling it a profound disgrace to humanity. His message, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, underscores the urgent need for global action.
“The epidemic of violence against women and girls shames humanity,” Guterres stated. “Every day, on average, 140 women and girls are killed by someone in their own family. Around one in three women still experience physical or sexual violence. No country or community is unaffected.”
Globally, an estimated 736 million women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. Girls are at particular risk of violence—
Facts and figures: Ending violence against women1 in 4 adolescent girls is abused by their partners.
What is considered violence against women?
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.
It can manifest in physical, sexual and psychological forms, encompassing:
intimate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide);
sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cyber- harassment);
human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation);
female genital mutilation; and
child marriage.
Within the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women issued by the UN General Assembly in 1993, defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”
This affects women at all stages of their life, including education, employment, and opportunities.
Some women and girls, such as those in vulnerable situations or humanitarian crises, migrants, LGTBI, indigenous people or those with disabilities, face greater risk.
Violence against women continues to be an obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace as well as to the fulfillment of women and girls’ human rights. All in all, the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - to leave no one behind - cannot be fulfilled without putting an end to violence against women and girls.
Take Action:
Ending violence against women is everyone’s business. Here are ten ways you can make a difference, safely and effectively. The article includes links to useful resources and helplines should you be worried about a woman or girl's safety.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/11/compilation-take-action-to-help-end-violence-against-women
Get Involved:
The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers, as the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025 – a visionary blueprint for achieving gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights everywhere.
CLICK HERE: https://www.unwomen.org/en/get-involved/16-days-of-activism
Thanks for sharing this!