Ending violence against women has been a vigorous act many people have fought for over the years, with UNiTE being the leading campaign for helping to achieve these goals. The UNiTE campaign encourages governments, civil society organizations and individuals across the world to “orange their neighbourhoods”, the colour orange being a uniting theme, to raise public awareness.
The 16 days of activism campaign originated in 1991, where participants chose the dates November 25th – International Day Against Violence Against Women – and December 10th – International Human Rights Day, which still stand to these dates 25 years later. These dates link violence against women and girls, to human rights, highlighting how violence targeted at women and girls is a violation of human rights itself. The 16 day period also contains other significant dates such as November 29th, International Women Human Rights Defenders Day.
These 16 days are an opportunity to make a change, whether through donations from purchasing a white ribbon from your school, or spreading awareness through family and friends, I encourage you to help make a change.
You may be thinking that “Its 2016, surely this isn't an issue anymore?”, however violence against girls and women, whether it be domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault or stalking is a prominent problem in today's society, locally and nationally. 1 in 3 women around the world will experience a form of violence in their lifetime, often in the hands of someone they know or love, causing unnecessary hurt, pain and trauma.
Coming from an all girls school, I feel very strongly about the subject. No female should be subject to abuse. No female should ever stand down, feel worthless, scared or hurt. Nobody should disregard, overlook or commit any act to bring women down. Many males in our school, including teachers and sixth formers, have been encouraged to sign a pledge to never condone, keep quiet about or harm girls and women as part of the 16 days of activism campaign.
In Richmond alone, around 10 girls are born to women who have undergone female genital mutilation every year, which puts them at risks of FGM themselves. Through this campaign and PDC lessons in schools, the campaign will help them to make their own choices and not have anything forced on to them, showing how this campaign can affect local towns and boroughs by bringing awareness and help through schools in the country.
I, among others believe this movement can help women all over the world. S. Gill states that “women are humans with rights and should be respected just as much as anyone else. [She thinks] this campaign has the potential to reach millions and change others' mind on how they treat women and hopefully change some peoples lives.”
No one should ever condone violence against women and girls, and awareness of this topic should be spread.
