International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, established in 2000 by the U.N General Assembly, is observed annually on November 25.
The Shadow Pandemic:
This year, the day holds a great significance. This is so because since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports have shown that violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified.
Termed as the ‘Shadow Pandemic’ growing amidst the COVID-19 crisis by the United Nations, all are urged to put in collective effort to stop the violence against women and girls.
According to a report by the National Commission of Women, the lockdown following the novel coronavirus outbreak resulted in an increase in domestic violence cases. Around 257 cases were reported within just 10 days.
As COVID-19 cases continue to strain health services, essential services, such as domestic violence shelters and helplines, have reached capacity. More needs to be done to prioritize addressing violence against women in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.
Theme Of International Day For The Elimination of Violence Against Women 2020:
This year’s theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”. Like in previous years, this year’s International Day will mark the launch of 16 days of activism that will conclude on 10 December 2020, which is International Human Rights Day.
Several public events are being coordinated for this year’s International Day. Iconic buildings and landmarks will be ‘oranged’ to recall the need for a violence-free future.
Take action! Ways you can help end violence against women, even during a pandemic:
- “Listen to and believe survivors”
- “Do say: We hear you. We believe you. We stand with you.”
- “Teach the next generation and learn from them”
- “Learn the signs of abuse and how you can help”
- “Take a stand by calling it out when you see it: catcalling, inappropriate sexual comments and sexist jokes are never okay”
- “It’s important to remember that when discussing cases of sexual violence, a victim’s sobriety, clothes, and sexuality are irrelevant”
- “Fund women’s organizations”
(Source: unwomen.org)