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This topic is very close to my heart, it affects the mothers, daughters, sisters of our society. The very person that nurtures, heals and loves unconditionally is abused because we are women. I truly believe that by raising awareness and addressing these issues and because of our amazing strengths we, women, will rise above this.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November

The General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and invited governments, international organizations and NGOs to organize activities designated to raise public awareness. Women's activists have marked 25 November as a day against violence since 1981. This date came from the brutal assassination in 1960, of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, on orders of Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).

Physical, sexual and psychological violence strikes women in epidemic proportions worldwide. It crosses every social and economic class, every religion, race and ethnicity. From domestic abuse to rape as a weapon of war, violence against women is a gross violation of their human rights. Not only does it threaten women's health, social and economic well-being, violence also thwarts global efforts to reduce poverty.

Violence is, however, preventable. Although no silver bullet will eliminate it, a combination of efforts that address income, education, health, laws and infrastructure can significantly reduce violence and its tragic consequences. First and foremost, abusive behavior towards women must be viewed as unacceptable. Communities need to have an important role in defining solutions to violence and providing support to victims.

We all need to stand together and fight this horrendous crime against humanity, yes, we must all stand up and let our voices be heard. Critically men must be engaged in the process too, as agents of change, standing alongside women to end violence.

It is not only other peoples stories but it could be your sister or your daughter or your friend’s heartfelt story. Never take it for granted that it could never happen to somebody you know. If the world does not address the issue, it stands to suppress the enormous potential of women and girls. When they feel safe, when they are empowered, women and girls can be game-changers. The catalyst for the next great innovation. The leaders of a more just world. The driving force behind stronger economies.

We as a business feel strongly about this topic and as a result it is one of the three pillars that we focus on when engaging and working with businesses – health, education and empowerment of women. Education and financial stability go a long way to give women the independence to make their own decisions and change their situations. Changing society’s view and treatment of women is a tall order but working with the poorest women at grassroots levels is a good place to start.

STAND UP AND LET US ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Have a look at these websites below for some examples of some great empowerment initiatives as well as the IIED Report report published earlier this week dealing with agricultural sourcing gender issues;

www.thehopefactory.co.za
www.conversationsforabetterworld.com

You can send a virtual white ribbon by going onto the website:www.whiteribbonday.org.au

Posted by Shamema Faulman (November 2010)