Federation supports the United Nations 16 Days of Action for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which begins today (25 November), the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and runs until Human Rights Day on 10 December.
This campaign, led by the UN Secretary-General and UN Women since 2008, aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world and calls for global action to increase awareness, advocacy and opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions.
The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”.
Deplorably, gender-based violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, however some women and girls are particularly vulnerable. The UN recognises the vulnerability of young girls and older women, women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex, migrants and refugees, indigenous women and ethnic minorities, or women and girls living with HIV and disabilities, and those living through humanitarian crises.
As the UN states, violence against women continues to be “an obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace as well as to the fulfillment of women and girls’ human rights.” Therefore, ending violence against women is everyone’s business.
The theme for 2021 is Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!
Watch the UN Women Executive Director’s speech
Click here to watch UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous’ message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25 November 2021.
Register now for Union NSW panel discussions
Unions NSW is hosting a series of panel discussions and Q&As, which union members can attend online. Topics include Equal workplaces. Equal laws; Legislating for Gender Equality; Intersectionality in Gender Equality and Gender Equality: the unfinished business of our time.
Useful resources
- 10 ways you can safely make a difference
- Frequently asked questions: Types of violence against women and girls
- Working from home isn’t safe when home isn’t safe: How to respond to family and domestic violence in home-based workplaces
Need assistance?
If this topic has raised issues for you, assistance can be sought from:
- Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia 1800 943 539
- 1800 Respect 1800 737 732
- Federation’s Professional Support 1300 654 367
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- Domestic violence: COVID exposes home truths