A day for the elimination of violence against women…
Each year, November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – an urgent issue that concerns everyone.
Violence against women has no textbook definition. It’s not always a fight in the street, shouting from the house next door, or obvious injuries. It doesn’t recognise age or race, it’s not confined by borders, and it doesn’t depend on financial status or education.
Unfortunately, despite global conversation and movements to eradicate gender-based violence, simply being born a woman puts you in danger. Every day, in every country, women are forced to change their actions, routes, or behaviours, just to make it back home safely, and sometimes even that is not enough.
This issue has intensified in different settings, including the workplace, in schools and in online spaces, and has been exacerbated by post-pandemic effects, conflicts, and climate change.
And for the majority, there is no protection. According to the United Nations, an overwhelming number of women (86 per cent) live in countries without robust legal protections against violence. Globally, an estimated 736 million women – almost one in three – have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their lives.
History
November 25th is observed yearly, as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The date was chosen in honour of Patria, Minerva, and María Mirabal, three sisters who were violently murdered on November 25th, 1960, for their underground movement opposing dictator Rafael Trujillo and his brutal regime.
The day honours the strength and bravery of every woman who has experienced violence and encourages unified action against it. The theme for International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women 2023 is, ‘UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.’
The campaign asks individuals what they are doing to take action and calls upon governments to invest in the prevention and eradication of gender-based violence. November 25th is preceded by ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’, a global campaign established by the United Nations, and running until December 10th, Human Rights Day.
#OrangeTheWorld
So, what can you do?
We can all help stop violence against women in our everyday lives. By speaking out, by discussing the issue on social media, in public and at home, we can improve people’s understanding of the matter and challenge attitudes and beliefs.
As mentioned, the theme this year is, ‘UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls’, so one of the best things you can do is get out into your local community and see how they’re working to protect women, and what you can do to help.
Whether you donate money, clothes, or possessions, or choose to volunteer your time to local charities and organisations, everybody can make a difference. November 25th is a day to celebrate all of the incredible work being done worldwide, to protect, empower, and support women, but it’s important that we also recognise just how far there is to go.
Change starts with conversations, challenging behaviour, and listening to victims. Everyone has a part to play, every day, not just on November 25th. Together, we can eradicate gender-based violence, & make the world a safe place for women.
For help and support..
If you know of, or are concerned about, someone experiencing violence there are some things you can do – starting by being willing to listen..
Keep in touch with the person, ensuring that it is safe for them to be in touch with you. They might not be ready to talk, but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.
Find out what services for survivors of violence against women are available. Only provide this information directly if you can do so discretely. Allow them to make their own decisions.
If someone you know needs urgent help for whatever reason, be prepared to call emergency services.
Other resources..
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 – www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ (run by Refuge)
The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available
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