16 days
BY JULIA R .
International Day of Ending Violence Against Women
The AWCH was excited to kick off the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on November 25 with a powerful virtual presentation and Q & A with Lt . Col . Celia FlorCruz , retired , of the US Army . She was an engaging and inspiring guest as she shared with us her experience as a victim , survivor , and leader .
According to the World Bank , one in three women will experience physical and / or sexual violence in her lifetime , and this occurs in developing and developed countries alike .
The 16 Days is the longest-running international campaign to end violence against women , and it initially connected gender-based violence ( GBV ) with human rights by being scheduled during a period of several related campaigns , such as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov . 25 , International Women Human Rights Defenders Day on Nov . 29 , World AIDS Day on Dec . 1 , and International Human Rights Day , in conjunction with the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , on Dec . 10 . Individuals , civil society , grassroots organizations , UN agencies , and governments join together to demand accountability for the protection of women and girls during this two-week period .
Every year , the 16 Days Campaign introduces a new theme which focuses on one particular area of gender inequality and works to bring attention to these issues and make changes that will have an impact . The UN is supporting the campaign with their 2020 theme : “ Orange the World : Fund , Respond , Prevent , Collect !” The color orange symbolizes a brighter future , free of violence , and also serves as a means of demonstrating solidarity . These buildings around the world were lit up on Nov . 25 : The parliaments in Bangladesh , Liberia , and Morocco ; Rio ’ s iconic Corcovado ; the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City ; La Scala in Milan ; the city hall in Bogota ; the National Theatre of Algiers ; and Table Mountain in Cape Town , South Africa . Here in Hamburg , over 30 buildings were lit up , and I think the Elphi looked particularly warm and elegant !
SDG 5 calls for the elimination of gender-based violence in its many forms . As global citizens , we must join together to protect women and girls to ensure they can fully participate in society . Failure to protect women threatens future generations , as children who grow up in households with
Lt . Col . Celia FlorCruz , retired , US Army
violence are more likely to perpetuate violence .
How can we help create a safer environment for everyone ? By speaking up and starting the conversation about the issue , seeking out education about GBV , sharing available services on social media , and donating to local shelters . The AWCH has been supporting the 5 . Hamburger Frauenhaus for the past two years , and there are six other women ’ s shelters and a total of 226 places in Hamburg seeking help . In addition , the Hilfetelefon line is available 24 / 7 by calling 08001166016 .
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 . Make it your business , because ending violence against women is everyone ’ s business .
Photo by Micheile Henderson from Unsplash www . awchamburg . org 9