As the world commemorates this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the UN is celebrating those who are working to protect women and girls and defend their human rights.
To mark this noble cause, the UN recently kicked off the annual 16 Days against Gender-Based Violence, a series of events aimed at creating real change. This year’s theme is Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now!. The colour Orange symbolizes a brighter future, free of violence.
Violence against women has been identified as a global crisis. According to UN statistics, more than 70% of women have experienced gender-based violence in some crisis settings. And in countries, both rich and poor, gender prejudice has fueled acts of violence toward women and girls.
Unfortunately, most times, violence against women often goes unreported, silenced by stigma, shame, fear of the perpetrators and fear of a justice system that does not work for women. The COVID-19 pandemic, with all its isolation and distancing, has enabled unseen violence, a second, shadow pandemic of violence against women and girls, where they often found themselves in lockdown with their abusers.
However, in recent years, much has been much achieved to prevent and reduce violence against women and girls. The challenge now is to expand global efforts and make a difference in more lives. Society has been urged to ensure that essential services are available and accessible to all women.
Earlier this year, as part of a Ksh. 4.5 trillion (USD 40 billion) commitment to the women and girls of the world, the Generation Equality Forum launched the Action Coalition on Gender-based Violence. The Coalition brings together a wide array of women’s groups and others including the youth, civil society, faith-based institutions, philanthropy, private sector, international organizations and UN Member States.
