16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

It is now time to observe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This observance starts on November 25 and ends on December 10. In between, on December 1, World Aids Day is observed.

The United Nations designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1999 . This was a way to mark and commemorate the brutal assassination of 3 female activists, the Mirabal Sisters, in the Dominican Republic in 1960 .

In 1948, 3 years after the end of World War II, the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to put a stop on the atrocities of war. The basis for this was “respect for human rights and human dignity as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”. Starting in 1950, December 10 is observed as Human Rights Day.

This year, the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day celebrates its 60th year! But war still exists.

And yes, the universal problem of violence against women still persists in any nation, any race, any culture, any class of society, any age. It comes in many forms – prenatal sex selection, female infanticide, female genital mutilation, sexual harassment, abuse and assault, dowry violence, honor killings, domestic violence, battering, rape, forced prostitution, trafficking.

Studies show that there is a link between HIV/AIDS and violence against women . Statistics show that women who are subjected to violence have higher risks of being infected with HIV. Violence against women results in different ways and in different proportion – for example: infectious diseases and disability, shame and death.

I firmly believe that a woman’s right to exist free from violence and fear is a basic human right. Let us observe this 16 days especially for those who are unable to make their voices heard.

Say NO to violence! Sign up and be counted!
http://www.unifem.org/campaigns/vaw/facts_figures.php

From
MaryLou Espiritu-Olsson
ZI D21 UN Committee Chair