25 November has been marked by women’s and anti-violence activists as a day focused on the elimination of violence since 1981. In 1999 the United Nations declared 25 November as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW). 25 November also starts 16 Days of Activism on ending violence against women and girls. AWAVA Chair, Julie Oberin writes:
“The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is a reminder that violence against women and girls is a global issue and that ending this violence is everyone’s responsibility. Today is an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come, to acknowledge what else needs to be done, and to renew our efforts and reaffirm our commitment. Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights in the world today. It affects women and girls across all cultures and societies and remains a significant public health and global development issue. Today, let us remember that violence against women and girls is both a cause and consequence of gender and structural inequalities, a construct of power, and though prevalent- it can be prevented. Australia has an exciting opportunity through the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children to be a global leader and to drive the requisite social change needed to prevent violence against women and girls. We need governments, specialist preventing and responding to violence against women sectors, schools, business, industry, media and communities to join forces and work in partnership to end violence against women and girls. We need a long-term, sustainable, comprehensive, whole-of-community approach to prevent and ultimately end violence against women and girls.”
Read AWAVA’s full media release here
