Christians from across the world have joined in 16 days of activism against gender-based violence as part of a campaign to end violence against women.
The 16 days commenced on Sunday – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – and run until 10th December – Human Rights Day. The initiative runs alongside existing faith campaigns including Thursdays in Black, a growing movement of people who show their solidarity with women and girls affected by violence and their commitment to end it by wearing black on Thursdays, and the Side by Side Faith Movement for Gender Justice.
In a message to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Sunday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said violence against women and girls was a “moral affront” and a “mark of shame” on all societies as well as a “major obstacle to inclusive, equitable and sustainable development”.
Describing violence against women as an “issue of fundamental human rights”, he said violence against women can take many forms, from domestic attacks to trafficking, from sexual violence in conflict to child marriage, genital mutilation and femicide.
“It harms the individual and has far-reaching consequences for families and society.”
The UN campaign, UNiTE, is highlighting support for survivors and advocates under the theme of ‘Orange the World: #HearMeToo’.
