November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as Orange Day. Each year, the day is dedicated to spreading awareness of the issue and calling for action to eradicate violence against women. This day is significant as violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence, are a global public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights (WHO, 2021).
Action on Gender-Based Violence needs to be taken NOW in a comprehensive and collaborative way to protect women today, tomorrow, and in the future. The theme of this year “UNiTE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls” shines a spotlight on the powerful role of the women’s rights movement in preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls and calls for further mobilisation of people to support efforts in ending violence against women and push back against the rollback on women’s rights. Only together with families, communities, civil society, health care providers, policymakers, and other key stakeholders can long-lasting change be created. We need to improve the raising awareness activities in communities to address stigma and shame. Prevention and support services for families are key interventions to prevent, address, and stop violence. Healthcare providers will need to broaden their understanding and training to provide the best support on all levels for women and girls facing violence. Civil society plays an important role in empowering women and girls and is the most important advocate for the rights of women and girls. Policymakers need to implement, monitor, and evaluate efforts that prevent violence and improve the conditions for support for those facing violence to be widely available and accessible.
By starting today, we can save a life tomorrow and decrease gender-based violence structurally long-term.
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