As the world comes together to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we reflect on the progress made and the challenges that persist in creating a safer and more equitable world. This day serves as a poignant reminder that violence against women is not confined to any particular sector or industry—it permeates every aspect of society.
This year 2023, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will mark the launch of the UNiTE campaign (United Nations). This campaign Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls will call on citizens to show how much they care about ending violence against women and girls and call on governments worldwide to share how they are investing in gender-based violence prevention, under the #NoExcuse slogan calling for urgent investments to prevent violence against women and girls.
Nevertheless, eliminating violence against women is a collective effort that requires individuals, communities, and organizations to work together. As citizens – and members of the scientific community – we can support the prevention of violence against women and girls and the achievement of this goal with simple actions:
Educate Yourself and Others:
- Stay informed about the various forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and gender-based discrimination.
- Share your knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness and promote understanding.
Support Victims and Survivors:
- Listen and offer support to those who have experienced violence without judgment.
- Encourage survivors to seek professional help, such as counseling or legal assistance.
- Create a safe and non-judgmental space for survivors to share their experiences if they choose to do so.
Speak Out Against Violence:
- Challenge sexist attitudes, discriminatory language, and harmful stereotypes when you encounter them.
- Use your voice to speak out against violence and advocate for a culture of respect and equality.
Promote Gender Equality:
- Advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality in all aspects of life, including the workplace, education, and healthcare.
- Support initiatives that aim to close gender gaps and create more opportunities for women.
Participate in Awareness Campaigns:
- Share information on social media to amplify awareness during campaigns related to the elimination of violence against women.
- Participate in community events, workshops, or seminars that focus on raising awareness about the issue.
Encourage Workplace Policies:
- Advocate for and support workplace policies that address and prevent gender-based violence.
- Encourage your workplace to implement training programs on recognizing and preventing violence and harassment.
Hold Perpetrators Accountable:
- If you witness or are aware of any form of violence, report it to the appropriate authorities or organizations.
- Encourage a culture of accountability where perpetrators are held responsible for their actions.
Support Legislation and Policies:
- Advocate for the implementation and enforcement of laws and policies that protect women from violence.
- Participate in campaigns supporting legislative changes that address gaps in the legal framework.
Be an Ally:
- Actively support and uplift women’s voices and experiences.
- Be an ally to marginalized communities and advocate for intersectional approaches to address violence.
From PARADIGMA, we would like to take this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women as an opportunity to recall our commitment to creating a world community where every woman can pursue her passion without the fear of violence. By breaking the silence, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for systemic change, we can contribute to a future where gender-based violence has no place.
Together, let’s build a world where females do not have to suffer any kind of violence simply because they are women.
