November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and girls (VAWG). The United Nations are calling on people everywhere to stand up and be part of the #16days campaign to highlight the problem and to challenge society to act to end it.
The day was originally organised as commemoration of the assassination of three political activists, the Mirabal sisters, in the Dominican Republic in 1961. As those who campaign for human rights all over the world know, violence against women, sexual violence, and political oppression all too often go hand in hand.
The #16days campaign ends on 10th December which is UN Human Rights Day to make the point that women’s rights are human rights and must be upheld.
This year the campaign is also using #hearmetoo.
Woman’s Place UK has created five images for you to use to support the campaign. Please download and share widely over the #16days.
Please use #16days and #HearMeToo
We will release a new image every day for the first five days of the campaign.
“Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today 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.
To further clarify, the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women issued by the UN General Assembly in 1993, defines violence against women as “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.”The adverse psychological, sexual and reproductive health consequences of VAWG affect women at all stages of their life. For example, early-set educational disadvantages not only represent the primary obstacle to universal schooling and the right to education for girls; down the line they are also to blame for restricting access to higher education and even translate into limited opportunities for women in the labour market.”
Resources and Links
Here are some links to sites, guidance or publications for you to use to challenge violence against women and girls.
At the bottom of the page are links to organisations working in the fields of sexual assault and domestic violence to support women and girls.
Sex and Relationships
Freedom Programme For women who want to learn more about the reality of domestic violence and abuse.
At work and in public
Still Just a Bit of Banter? The TUC report on sexual harassment at work
Schools and Young People
End Violence Against Women #MeToo at School campaign End Violence Against Women (EVAW)
Sexism It’s just everywhere! Report by the National Education Union
Expect Respect Toolkit Woman’s Aid school resource on domestic violence for every year from reception to Year 13
Breaking the Mould National Education Union resources to challenge stereotypes
UK Feminista campaign to challenge sexism in schools
Please note there are many other local support organisations.
If you have a suggestion for a good resource or link please contact us here