26/11/2020
Ending violence against women is everyone’s business.
In 2020, COVID-19 touched our lives in nearly every way, everywhere, as countries went into lockdown and restricted movement to contain the spread of the virus. As doors closed and isolation began, reports of all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, began to rise and intensified – in some countries, calls to helplines have increased five-fold.
The pandemic of violence against women is not new. Even before COVID-19 hit us, globally, 243 million women and girls were abused by their intimate partners in the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the violence, even as support services faltered and accessing help became harder.
This year’s theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” Like in previous years, this year's International Day will mark the launch of 16 days of activism starting today, 25 November 2020 and will conclude on 10 December 2020, which is International Human Rights Day.
In reference, here are some 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. It’s on all of us to give her the safe space she needs to speak up and be heard. It’s important to remember that when discussing cases of sexual violence, a victim’s sobriety, clothes, and sexuality are irrelevant. 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.
Don’t say, “Why didn’t she leave?”
Do say: “We hear you. We believe you. We stand with you.”
2. TEACH THE NEXT GENERATION AND LEARN FROM THEM
Talk about consent, bodily autonomy and accountability to boys and girls, and also listen to what they have to say about their experience of the world. By empowering young advocates with information, and educating them about women’s rights, we can build a better future for all.
3. 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. When it comes to consent, there are no blurred lines.
4. START A CONVERSATION
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. Show your solidarity with survivors and where you stand in the fight for women’s rights by oranging your social media profile for the 16 Days of Activism. You may also use and to start your own conversation about gender-based violence.
5. STAND AGAINST R**E CULTURE
R**e 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 r**e culture. From the attitudes we have about gender identities to the policies we support in our communities, we can all take action to stand against r**e culture.
Ka-BaLinkBayan, you may also take action and make a difference by supporting women and girl survivors of violence to stay safe and free of violence!
Source: United Nations Women
