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A message from the Provincial Women's
Committee
November 25th is
International Day Of The Elimination Of Violence Against Women
Violence against women and girls continues unabated in every continent, country
and culture. It takes a devastating toll on women’s lives, on their families,
and on society as a whole. Most societies prohibit such violence — yet the
reality is that too often, it is covered up or tacitly condoned. - UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, 8 March 2007
At least one out of every three women around the world has been
beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime — with the abuser
usually someone known to her. The economic cost is considerable, not forgetting
the emotional and physical affects that such actions have on women, and their
families.
There is no country in the world where women are safe from this
type of violence. Out of ten countries surveyed in a 2005 study by the World
Health Organization (WHO), high levels of violence against women persist.
Clearly there is a need for greater focus on implementation and
enforcement of legislation.
A study conducted in São Paulo, Brazil, reported that 13 percent
of deaths of women of reproductive age were homicides, of which 60 percent were
committed by the victims’ partners
Limited availability of services, shelter spaces, stigma and
fear prevent women from seeking assistance and redress. Women with children have
limited options. Economically women are often unable to sustain the family
without their partner’s contributions. They are forced to remain in degrading,
demeaning, and often unsafe environments.
Real change starts with individuals, with families and with
communities. We must focus on the attitudes that lead to violence and prevent it
from happening in the first place.
Teaching this generation of children that violence is unacceptable will help
create the generational change needed to make violence against women a thing of
the past. But there is still more work to be done.
It is my hope that in commemorating this day we will continue to
work together toward making our communities’ safer for women and girls.
Support your local women's shelters; Do a clothing drive. Speak
to young student groups. Volunteer. Many of us work in the public services,
community homes, and other agencies in which we touch the lives of victims and
their families. Offer support where you can! Most Important- DO SOMETHING!!
Cindy Haynes
Chair, Provincial Women's Committee |
