The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 25, marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual global campaign that lasts until December 10, Human Rights Day. “Orange the World: UNITE! Activism to eliminate violence against women and girls” is the motto of this year’s international campaign. Change is necessary right now. Women’s violence can be stopped.
Gender-based violence is a violation of human rights. In their lifetimes, one in three women and girls may endure sexual or physical abuse, and 70% of women encounter gender-based abuse in humanitarian settings. One in five girls gets married before turning 18 and one in three women and girls reside in nations where marital rape is not a recognised crime. Gender-based violence against people who identify as LGBTQI+, people with disabilities, people who belong to marginalised racial and ethnic communities, people who are older, and people who belong to other marginalised populations is also pervasive and frequently committed without regard for the rights of victims.
