INTERNATIONAL Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is UN observance day to bring forth the issue of violence against women and address them. Violence against women is a pervasive and deeply entrenched issue that spans across geographical boundaries, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. To address this global crisis, the United Nations has designated November 25th as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This observance day aims to raise awareness about the various forms of violence women experience, advocate for policy changes and galvanize collective action to eradicate this deeply rooted problem.
Background of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was established to commemorate the Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, who were brutally assassinated in 1960 for their political resistance. In 1981, at the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute, participants chose this date to symbolize the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign, which runs from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25th to December 10th, ending on International Human Rights Day.
Observance in India
In India, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is marked by various events and initiatives organized by government bodies, women’s NGOs and civil society groups. These activities include awareness campaigns, seminars, workshops and cultural events that highlight the importance of ending violence against women and promoting gender equality.
Violence against women in India: a grave reality
Like many other countries, India too grapples with a multitude of issues related to violence against women. Domestic violence, acid attacks, street harassment, discrimination against the girl child, dowry harassment and widow abandonment are among the numerous forms of violence that persist in the country.
Domestic violence: Domestic violence remains a pervasive problem in India, affecting women across all social and economic strata. It encompasses physical, emotional, and economic abuse, often trapping women in cycles of violence and powerlessness.
Acid attacks: Acid attacks, a heinous crime that leaves victims physically and emotionally scarred, continue to plague the lives of many women in India. These attacks are often rooted in rejection, jealousy or revenge, and they highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations and increased awareness.
Street harassment: Street harassment, ranging from catcalling to physical assault, is a daily reality for many women in India. This form of violence restricts women’s freedom of movement, contributes to an environment of fear and is often combined with the crime of physical harassment or molestation.
Discrimination against the girl child: The preference for male children in some parts of India has led to the neglect and discrimination against female children. This bias manifests in female foeticide, abandonment of female babies and unequal access to education, healthcare and other essential resources.
Dowry harassment: Despite legal prohibitions, dowry harassment persists in many parts of India. The demand for dowry often leads to financial exploitation, psychological pressure, physical abuse, a reduction in the quality of life and in extreme cases, violence against women.
Widow abandonment: Widows in India face societal stigma and abandonment, particularly in rural areas. The prevailing notion that widows bring bad luck leads to their isolation and exclusion from community life. These women are often abandoned by their own families and left in places far from their homes.
The role of NGOs in addressing violence against women
This International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, it is important to recognize the role played by NGOs, which is pivotal in the fight against violence directed at women in India. These NGOs work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide support to victims and advocate for policy changes to address the root causes of gender-based violence.
Raising awareness: NGOs conduct awareness campaigns to educate communities about the various forms of violence against women and the importance of gender equality. These campaigns aim to challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence.
Preventing violence: NGOs implement preventive measures, including workshops and training programs, to empower women and communities with the knowledge and skills to recognize and combat violence. By fostering a culture of respect and equality, they work towards breaking the cycle of abuse.
Supporting victims: One of the crucial roles of NGOs is to provide support and counseling to survivors of violence. This support includes legal assistance, medical aid, and rehabilitation services to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Legal advocacy: NGOs actively engage in legal advocacy, pushing for reforms and stringent measures to address violence against women. They collaborate with the legal system to ensure that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.
Fostering empowerment: Empowering women economically and socially is a key focus of many NGOs. By providing skills training and creating opportunities for income generation, these organizations aim to reduce the vulnerability of women to violence.
Support NGOs this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to eradicate gender based violence. In India, where the struggle against such violence is multifaceted, NGOs play a crucial role in creating awareness, preventing violence and supporting victims. It is imperative for the authorities, communities and individuals to join hands in addressing the deep-seated issues that contribute to violence against women and work towards creating a society where women can live free from fear and violence. As we commemorate International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, let us renew our commitment to building a world where every woman can live with dignity, equality, and without the specter of violence looming over her.
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