SIW Declaration on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2023
SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL WOMEN
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2023
DECLARATION
Each year the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women stands as a crucial call-to-arms for action to protect and ensure the safety of women and girls globally. Yet each year it is also a stark reminder of the abhorrence, and worldwide inequity, of gender-based violence that is taking place at staggering rates, and a reminder of the vast amount of work that needs to be done to counter and eradicate this heinous crime.
Each year, we remind the world that gender-based violence, which includes physical and sexual violence, domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, so-called ‘honour-based’ killings, forced marriage, stalking, harassment, exploitation and online abuse, is committed disproportionately against women and girls. We remind the world that globally, almost 1 in 3 women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime; that gender-based violence remains the least prosecuted and punished crime, and femicide is still not a recognised crime in many countries; that violence against women is a leading impediment to their freedom, equality and individual agency; and that women continue to lag behind in human rights, legal rights, and access to education and employment, all of which enables abuse against them.
Each year, it has felt more imperative and more critical to act. Since 2020, gender-based violence has been intensified by the covid pandemic and the global economic crisis. Current conflicts taking place worldwide are putting women and girls at an even higher risk of arbitrary killings, torture and sexual violence. This can continue even after conflict at a time when law and social structures remain broken down, and the availability of weapons is prevalent.
Extreme weather in recent years, such as fires, flooding and droughts, brought on by the worsening effects of climate change, are exacerbating the vulnerability of women and girls. Displacement, resource scarcity and food insecurity as a result of such extreme weather, are leading to a higher incidence of rape, aggression and domestic abuse, trafficking, and more young girls forced into marriage to pay for loss of homes and livelihoods.
The SIW will never cease in calling the world’s attention to this injustice against women and girls and we call for the elimination of violence against them on this day, each year, and on every day, each year, in line with our deep commitment to women’s rights.
We know that to reduce and eliminate this violence will take consistent and ongoing global commitment, and repeatedly renewed pressure. It will take engagement and action from all sectors, from political parties in government and in opposition, from international organisations, multilateral businesses and corporations, from schools and local communities, and from individuals worldwide.
That is why, this year, we are proud to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and also we support and welcomes the UNiTE Orange Day on the 25th day of each month as the constant reminder needed to raise awareness, highlight, and take action to end violence against women and girls.
We call on all our partners and our political family worldwide to join us in working together to Eliminate Violence against Women today, and every day.
________________
https://www.who.int/campaigns/16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence/2023
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/unite/orange-the-world
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/unite
https://genderdata.worldbank.org/
https://www.womankind.org.uk/resource/a-femicide-factsheet-global-stats-calls-to-action/
International Women's Day
This 8th March we recall that equality between women and men must be defended and promoted so as not to take steps back…