On 25 November, the world celebrates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In 2021, the them chosen by UN Women is ‘Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!’.
This year, the focus is on the rising number of victims of violence during the pandemic period, Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports from those on the front lines, have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified: In the previous 2 years more than 243 million women and girls (aged 15-49) across the world have been subjected to sexual or physical violence by an intimate partner. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, this number is likely to grow with multiple impacts on women’s wellbeing, their sexual and reproductive health, their mental health, and their ability to participate and lead in the recovery of our societies and economy.
‘Nearly 1 in 3 women have been abused in their lifetime. In times of crises, the numbers rise, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent humanitarian crises, conflicts and climate disasters. A new report from UN Women, based on data from 13 countries since the pandemic, shows that 2 in 3 women reported that they or a woman they know experienced some form of violence and are more likely to face food insecurity. Only 1 in 10 women said that victims would go to the police for help.’
Geneva Council for Rights and Liberties GCRL, plays an active part in this international campaign and believes in the importance of joining all efforts for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and rejection of it in all societies without any exception. It also encourages a unified and firm stand against the rape of many women around the world, both in times of peace and war. The Council also calls for taking more effective measures during the period of the Corona pandemic to deter various forms of violence against women, such as doubling listening and reception centers for victims of domestic violence and reviewing laws that deter violence in some countries and adapting them to the current situation. The Council also calls for the promotion of women’s rights and equal opportunities in various fields, especially professional ones.
While pervasive, gender-based violence is not inevitable. It can and must be prevented. Stopping this violence starts with believing survivors, adopting comprehensive and inclusive approaches that tackle the root causes, transform harmful social norms, and empower women and girls. With survivor-centered essential services across policing, justice, health, and social sectors, and sufficient financing for the women’s rights agenda, we can end gender-based violence.
?Did you know
-1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most frequently by an intimate partner.
-One hundred thirty-seven women are killed by a member of their family every day.
-Fewer than 40 per cent of the women who experience violence seek help of any sort.
Campaign, 16 days of activism
As in previous years, this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women launches 16 days of activism to be concluded on the 10th of December 2021— the day that commemorates the International Human Rights Day. Several public events are being coordinated and iconic buildings and landmarks will be ‘oranged’ to recall the need for a violence-free future.
Related Links
https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day
