November 25

November 25 marked the 10^th anniversary of the UN-sponsored International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day launches 16 days of activism against gender-violence around the world. As you know the issue is the main point of my project in Rwanda so I thought I should at least remember this day. On 17 December 1999, the General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and invited governments, international organizations and NGOs to organize activities designated to raise public awareness of the problem on that day. The UN described domestic violence against women as one of the most pervasive human rights violation known today.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon renewed his campaign opposing violence against women:

"Our goal is clear: to end these inexcusable crimes -- whether it is the use of rape as a weapon of war, domestic violence, sex trafficking, so-called 'honor' crimes or female genital mutilation.” He said it was crucial to address the roots of violence against women and reminded people of the UN campaign, "UNite to End Violence Against Women.” The campaign calls for countries to put in place laws, action plans, prevention, and systematic measures to address sexual violence in conflict situations and other forms of gender-violence whether during conflict or not (in France, for example, one woman dies every two days as a result of domestic violence. It is not confined to a single culture or region or to particular groups of women within a society. You must know that up to 70% of women experience physical or sexual violence from men in their lifetime. Shocking, right?). UN Resident Coordinator, Khin-Sandi Lwin, said, “The message is clear: We have a responsibility to end gender-based violence together as Women, girls, men, boys and individuals of all generations, religions, occupations and political beliefs, regardless of our socio-economic backgrounds.” The consequences of gender-based violence are devastating and have been mentioned before. Violence not only physically and emotionally hurts the victim but also impedes the ability of women to go to work and earn a living to support their families.

The UN also called for men to take action to eradicate violence done to women:

“Violence against women and girls will not be eradicated until all of us - men and boys - refuse to tolerate it,” said the UN secretary general.

To commemorate the day, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will launch his Network of Men Leaders, a major new initiative of his UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign. The Network of Men Leaders consists of politicians, activists, religious and community leaders who will work together to support the efforts of women around the world to embrace equality and inspire men to speak out against violence.

Visit these websites for more information on the issue:

http://www.un.org/en/women/endviolence/

http://www.whiteribbonday.org.au/