Thursday November 25 is the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women.
Why do we mark International Days? International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to call for local and global actions to increase awareness and to strengthen advocacy efforts, to shine light on the need for funding, to mobilize resources, share knowledge and innovations and celebrate achievements of humanity.
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent, and devastating human rights violations in our world today and remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it. In general terms, it manifests itself 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.
The International Day for the Elimination against Women kicks off the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence which is an international campaign that runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.
Ending violence against women is everyone’s business. According to unwomen.org, here are just ten ways you can make a difference, safely and impactfully.
1. Listen to and believe survivors - When a woman shares her story of violence, she takes the first step to breaking the cycle of abuse. The perpetrator is the sole reason for assault and must bear the responsibility alone. Call out victim-blaming and counter the idea that it’s on women to avoid situations that might be seen as “dangerous” by traditional standards.
2. Teach the next generation and learn from them - The examples we set for the younger generation shape the way they think about gender, respect and human rights. Start conversations about gender roles early on, and challenge the traditional features and characteristics assigned to men and women. Point out the stereotypes that children constantly encounter, whether in the media, on the street or at the school, and let them know that it’s OK to be different. Encourage a culture of acceptance. Talk about consent, bodily autonomy and accountability to boys and girls, and listen to what they have to say about their experience of the world.
3. Call for responses and services fit for purpose -Services for survivors of violence. Services for survivors are essential services. This means that shelters, hotlines, counseling, and all support for survivors of gender-based violence need to be available for those in need, even during the coronavirus pandemic.
4. Understand consent - Freely given, enthusiastic consent is mandatory, every time. Rather than listening for a “no,” make sure there is an active “yes,” from all involved. Adopt enthusiastic consent in your life and talk about it. Phrases like “she was asking for it” or “boys will be boys” attempt to blur the lines around sexual consent, placing blame on victims, and excusing perpetrators from the crimes they have committed. While those that use these lines may have fuzzy understandings of consent, the definition is crystal clear. When it comes to consent, there are no blurred lines.
4. Learn the signs of abuse and how you can help - There are many forms of abuse and all of them can have serious physical and emotional effects. If you’re concerned about a friend who may be experiencing violence or feels unsafe around someone, review these signs and learn about the ways to help them find safety and support. If you think someone is abusing you, help is available. You are not alone. Women’s Centers and Shelters and 24-hour hotlines are available with a quick google search.
5. Start a conversation - Speak out. Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation that’s been perpetuated for decades. It’s pervasive, but it’s not inevitable, unless we stay silent.
6. Stand against rape culture - Rape culture is the social environment that allows sexual violence to be normalized and justified, fueled by the persistent gender inequalities and attitudes about gender and sexuality. Naming it is the first step to dismantling rape culture. Every day we have the opportunity to examine our behaviours and beliefs for biases that permit rape culture to continue. Think about how you define masculinity and femininity, and how your own biases and stereotypes influence you.
7. Fund women’s organizations - Donate to local organizations that empower women, amplify their voices, support survivors, and promote acceptance of all gender identities and sexualities.
8. Hold each other accountable - Create a safer environment for everyone by challenging your peers to reflect on their own behaviour and speaking up when someone crosses the line, or by enlisting the help of others if you don’t feel safe.
9. Know the data and demand more of it - To effectively combat gender-based violence, we need to understand the issue. Relevant data collection is key to implementing successful prevention measures and providing survivors with the right support.
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 - to leave no one behind - cannot be fulfilled without putting an end to violence against women and girls.
Ellen Winofsky RSW
Walmsley EFAP