On November 25th, we observe the International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a date marked as a day of raising awareness and of taking action to end violence against women and girls.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world.
December 10th marks International Human Rights Day.
Fittingly, the days from 25 November to Human Rights Day are collectively known as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This a time to unite in reflection, protest and action to end violence against women and girls around the world. This year the global theme is UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls!
Brigidines encourage all sisters, associates and colleagues to join in this action in whatever ways possible.
We are very grateful to Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking of Humans (ACRATH) for leadership and enormous contribution to the campaign. ACRATH offers all of us information, ideas, resources and support that will assist individuals, communities, workplaces, schools and parishes to participate in the campaign : https://acrath.org.au/take-action/16-days/
ACRATH has developed a valuable resource – RESPECT posters which we are invited to print and display.
R – RESPECT for all women.
E – EVERYBODY has a role.
S – Break the SILENCE
P – PREVENTION is the key.
E – EQUALITY is our goal.
C – CHAMPION change!
T – TIME to act!
A calendar taking us through the 16-day campaign, available through ACRATH’s website, can be accessed here: 16-Days-Reflection Calendar
Want to read more?
– Read ACRATH’s most recent full Newsletter: ACRATH Newsletter Nov 2022
– United Nations Observance: International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women
– The UN Secretary’s UNITE Campaign: UNiTE-campaign-2022-
– UN Women website offers food for thought (and action!): UNWomen
Let’s encourage each other to listen, speak up, amplify women’s voices, and take action in any way we can to end violence against women and all forms of gender-based violence.