Creating a safe space for women, by women
A woman’s place is in her home. A woman’s place is in the workplace. In the community. On the streets and in public parks. In politics and leadership. In grocery stores, classrooms and on college campuses. A woman’s place is everywhere, and in every space, she has the right to feel safe and welcome.
Yet evidence suggests that 1 in 3 women and girls have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, often by an intimate partner. And this was before the pandemic. In the context of COVID-19, risks of domestic violence, especially against women and girls, have increased while access to needed support has decreased, including services provided by the health sector. The UN report, which compiled the data of 13 countries, added, “Only 1 in 10 women said that victims would go to the police for help. “
In 1999 the UN General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, inviting governments, international organizations and NGOs to organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the issue on that day.
Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!
This year, the theme of the day is ‘Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!‘ Orange is a colour that represents a brighter future that is free of violence against women and girls.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign calling for an end to violence against women and girls. It is held annually and begins on the 25th of November, the International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on Human Rights Day, the 10th of December.
Break Silence End Violence
Violence against women is regarded as a hurdle to equality, peace and development across the world. The UN states that the promises made in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be fulfilled without eradicating violence against women and girls. Drawing attention to the urgency for action WomenShine has launched its Break Silence End Violence campaign. The initiative focuses on creating a safe space for women, by women to tell their stories. We at WomenaShine know well that the process of sharing a story or an incident can be transformational and life-changing for both audience and the victim. But behind the simple act of asking others to share their stories, there are nuanced and always-changing uncertainties related to story ownership, trust, retraumatization, and sometimes the very safety of individuals sharing their stories.
We want to hear about the experiences of girls and young women and we want to build solidarity and connection across the world with survivors. We also want your support in creating safe and brave spaces for women. It takes a great amount of courage to come forward and share a traumatic experience publicly. It is difficult enough for survivors to share their stories, and we at WomenShine, want them to feel safe, heard, strong and a major part of a global community.
What can you do?
Make it Visible: Amplify the Voice of the Unheard
Connect and join the social campaign via our website and social media handles- discuss, raise awareness, stand in solidarity.
Here is a link to our various social media handles-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenshinemag
Instagram: https://instagram.com/womenshinemag?utm_medium=copy_link
Twitter: Https://www.twitter.com/womenshinemag
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-shine
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCxMFUtk5ctEAwv8VBAY8ztQ
Share your Experiences: Break Silence End Violence
Storytelling can a powerful tool for violence against women survivors. It empowers survivors, giving them a voice to share and make sense of their personal experiences.
Storytelling also has healing power. It is a catalyst for survivors experiencing a variety of emotions – pain, fear, guilt, confusion – and reminds survivors that they are not alone. By telling and listening to stories, survivors can connect with others who had similar experiences. Through this experience, survivors can build life-long relationships, and develop a louder, collective voice.
As a part of our campaign, we have created a safe anonymous space to allow girls and women to use their voice, strength and agency to speak out about their experiences of gender-based violence. You can reach out to us anonymously at or at: womenshinemag@gmail.com or at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenshinemag
Instagram: https://instagram.com/womenshinemag?utm_medium=copy_link
Twitter: Https://www.twitter.com/womenshinemag
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-shine
Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCxMFUtk5ctEAwv8VBAY8ztQ
Contact us at: 8130487101
CALL TO ACTION: Imagine!
Imagine a world without gender-based violence… Imagine.
We ask you: “If there was no Gender-based violence in this world, what extra thing would you do tomorrow?”
In your own way, share this new world experience with us and respond by creating your own art/photograph/video and post it on social media alongside this message below:
We will end Violence Against Women. We won’t stop fighting. Here’s to a better tomorrow! #BreakSilenceEndViolence #WomenShine #16 Days #orangetheworld #endGBV
Do not forget to tag us!
It is time to take action, now more than ever.
