International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is observed every November 25. It highlights the urgent need to address violence against women and girls, one of the most pervasive human rights violations. This year, a joint UN report revealed alarming data. In 2023, a woman was murdered by family members or partners every 10 minutes. This reflects the persistence of structural inequalities and harmful stereotypes.
The statistics are shocking: in 2023, people close to them murdered almost 85,000 women and girls, with 60% of these crimes committed by individuals in their immediate environment. Africa leads with the highest rate of femicides, while Europe has the lowest. These figures underscore that the home remains the most dangerous place for many women and girls.
UN: A woman is murdered every 10 minutes by a family member or intimate partner
The UN has increased its efforts through initiatives like the UNiTE by 2030 campaign and the Spotlight Initiative. These programs aim to raise awareness, improve data collection, and promote zero tolerance for violence. This year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent action. He highlighted issues such as growing online misogyny, sexual violence as a weapon of war, and setbacks in women’s legal rights.
Besides, concrete measures have been proposed, such as greater investments in prevention, stronger legislation and support for women’s rights organizations. The involvement of the private sector and the inclusion of labor policies that guarantee women’s safety are also essential to address the root causes of this problem.
No excuses : The global slogan to end femicide
The 2024 theme, “No Excuses”, calls for the eradication of cultural or legal justifications that perpetuate violence, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions that promote female empowerment and gender equity at all levels of society.
With global and local initiatives, this day not only seeks to commemorate the victims, but also to reinforce the collective commitment to ensure that no space, virtual or physical, is a place of danger for women and girls.
Sensorial Sunsets
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
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