UN: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (VIDEO)

Under the global theme “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!” the UN is marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, from 25 November to 10 December.

In Greece an online event will be held for the occasion at 18:00 on Thursday (Nov. 25), which will include representatives of the Region of Attica, the Association of Regions of Greece (ENPE) and the Attica Region's committee for gender equality, as well as 11 agencies involved in the field.

Addressing the event will be Attica Region Director and Medical Association of Athens President George Patoulis, and President of the regional equality committee Maria Angelopoulou.

Also addressing the event are representatives of the Archbishopric of Athens Committee of Women's Issues, the National Organization of Women 'Panathenaic' and other organizations.

The event will be broadcast live via Zoom at the following address:  https://bit.ly/3BZjniN

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data has shown that all types of violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly domestic violence, have intensified and that the world was unprepared to respond to its rapid escalation. A ne, based on survey data from 13 countries* to be published on November 24, shows that COVID-19 has eroded women’s feelings of safety, both at home and in public spaced, with significant negative impacts on their mental and emotional well-being.

In addition, the current global context of violent conflicts, humanitarian crises and increasing climate-related disasters have further intensified violence against women, ringing alarms on the need to urgently act on this scourge.

However, there is also evidence that ending violence against women and girls is possible, with a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes, transforms harmful social norms, provide services for survivors and ends impunity.

The Generation Equality Forum has created unprecedented momentum and commitments to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women commemoration reminds us we all have a role to play to achieve a brighter future free from violence.