Violence against women and girls remains a pervasive problem worldwide.

The term ?violence against women? means ?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.? (United Nations, A/RES/48/104, 1994)

Following the previous article on ?Domestic Violence?, Women Flix is ??now highlighting the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is celebrated on November 25th.

Background

Concerned that violence against women be an obstacle to the achievement of equality, development and peace, in 1979, the United Nations (UN) recognized the urgent need for the universal application to women of the rights and principles with regard to equality, security, liberty, integrity and dignity.

But it was only in 1995, at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, that a significant turning point took place for the global agenda for gender equality, when it was adopted unanimously by 190 countries. This is now considered the key global policy document on women's empowerment: the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

It covers 12 critical areas of concern: poverty; education and training; health; violence; armed conflict; economy; power and decision-making; institutional mechanisms; human rights; media; environment; and the girl child. For each critical area of concern, strategic objectives were identified, as well as a detailed catalogue of related actions to be taken.

The UN officially designated November 25th as the International day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 2000. This date was selected to honour the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country?s ruler.

The date recalls governments, international organizations as well as non-governmental organizations to join together and organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the issue every year.

Initiatives

A bold step in the right direction to eliminate violence against women was embodied by an initiative launched in 2008 by the UN and known as the UNiTE to End Violence against Women. It aims to raise public awareness around the issue as well as increase both policymaking and resources dedicated to ending violence against women and girls worldwide.

The UNiTE campaign has proclaimed the 25th of each month as ?Orange Day?.

As a bright and optimistic colour, orange represents a future free from violence against women and girls.

For more info: https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/unite

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In the UK White Ribbon is engaging with men and boys to ending male violence against women, acting as a catalyst, encouraging people to individually and collectively take action and change behaviour.

They work together with partners right across England and Wales to raise awareness, educate and campaign to bring about change. The idea is to prevent violence happening in the first place. 

#AllMenCan is 2021?s campaign and the leading message.

Visit their website to learn how to support: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/.