Did you know that almost 1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime? (UN Women, 2021) 

Today, 25 November, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The theme for this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is ‘Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!’ which calls on governments to commit to policy actions to: 

  • prioritise funding of essential services that support the prevention of and response to gender-based violence 
  • ensure essential services are maintained during COVID-19 lockdowns and implement support services and programs where there are currently none in place 
  • declare zero tolerance for gender-based violence and implement concrete action plans for prevention 
  • collect and share data to increase awareness and support for services and programs. 

Preventing and eliminating the ongoing pandemic of violence against women requires social change on a worldwide scale, but as individuals we can also contribute in meaningful ways. Here are 10 ways you can help end violence against women, even during a pandemic: 

  1. Listen to and believe survivors 
  2. Teach the next generation and learn from them 
  3. Call for responses and services fit for purpose 
  4. Understand consent 
  5. Learn the signs of abuse and how you can help 
  6. Start a conversation 
  7. Stand against rape culture 
  8. Fund women’s organisations 
  9. Hold each other accountable 
  10. Know the data and demand more of it. 

For more information on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, visit the United Nations website.  

You can also help increase awareness and start your own conversation about this important cause by participating online using the hashtags #GenerationEquality #OrangeTheWorld #16days and #SpreadTheWord