Youth raise their voices against violence: a photo essay Source: http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/end-violence-against-women
To raise awareness and trigger action to end the global scourge of violence against women and girls, the UN observes International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women every 25 November.
The UN website for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women lists the following reasons for observing this day:
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Violence against women is a human rights violation
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Violence against women is a consequence of discrimination against women, in law and also in practice, and of persisting inequalities between men and women.
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Violence against women impacts on, and impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, combating HIV/AIDS, and peace and security.
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Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential.
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Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic. Up to 70 per cent of women experience violence in their lifetime.
In her statement to mark this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka says:
“if we all work together: governments, civil society organizations, the UN system, businesses, schools, and individuals mobilizing through new solidarity movements, we will eventually achieve a more equal world—a Planet 50-50—where women and girls can and will live free from violence”.
Watch the full statement below:
Sources: End Violence against Women – UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women | UN Women – Headquarters, Australian Catholic Social Justice Council.
