Women on the 25th of November yearly. This observance raises awareness of
the continuing toll of gender-based violence.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights
violations in the world. Globally, it is estimated that one in three women
will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime. Unlike an
illness, however, perpetrators and even entire societies choose to commit
violence and can choose to stop, violence is not inevitable, and it can be
prevented. But it’s not as straightforward as eradicating a virus.
As such, prevention strategies should be holistic, with multiple
interventions undertaken in parallel in order to have long-lasting and
permanent effects. Many sectors, actors and stakeholders need to be
engaged. More evidence is emerging on what interventions work to prevent
violence from community mobilisation to change social norms, to
comprehensive school interventions targeting staff and pupils, to economic
empowerment and income supplements coupled with gender equality training.
Today, many efforts still need to be engaged towards a society where
elimination of violence against women is indisputable. Towards such
efforts, we, at the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), continue to partake in
this global initiative for enlivening the principle of non-violence
against women and promoting gender equality amongst young people. As a
part of our rigid contribution, our 9th Melaka International Youth
Dialogue (MIYD), ‘Youth and Gender Equality’ was one of our successful
activities aiming on promoting gender equality of opportunities and
eliminating unlawful discrimination as well as gender-based harassment.
We urge young women and men to step up striving to unveil their true
potential and participate in the decision making process as part of the
elimination of violence against women. We strive even harder to alleviate
the hardships which are encountered by fellow women, around the world. We
also believe that prevention strategies should be holistic, with multiple
interventions undertaken in parallel, in order to have long-lasting and
permanent effects. Therefore, we encourage all sectors, actors and
stakeholders, inclusive of young people, to be engaged.
Happy International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women!
SOURCE: World Assembly of Youth
