The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
On 25 November, we marked The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: a day to pause, reflect, renew commitments, amplify voices, and strategies to achieve the goal of eliminating violence against women by 2030. This day also ushers in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign running from 25 November to 10 December, which is Human Rights Day.
The impact of this movement was felt globally: in Kenya, protesters marched through the streets chanting "Stop killing women"; in Germany, red shoes were placed on the ground as a poignant symbol against violence; and rallies in Italy, Bolivia, Argentina, and Turkey called for an end to gender-based violence and discrimination.
Organisations such as WHO (World Health Organisation) and the UN (United Nations) have highlighted that nearly one in three women globally have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or both. Alarmingly, the UN found that only 5% of government aid is allocated to tackling violence against women and girls, with less than 0.2% directed towards prevention.
Stories of such violence continue to surface daily. One recent case that sent shock waves across the globe was the trial of Gisele Pelicot, in which 50 men are accused of raping the 71-year-old, while she was unconscious, over a period of 10 years.
Notably, Pelicot waived her right to anonymity. This is significant as it challenges society to confront the way it perceives rape, encouraging a broader examination of the prevalence of sexual violence in France and beyond.
Addressing the Growing Threat of Violence Against Women in Conflict Zones
In the lead-up to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the UN highlighted the increasing levels of violence endured by women and girls in areas affected by conflict and social unrest. In Gaza, as of 2 November 2024, at least 43,163 Palestinians were killed, and about 70 per cent of victims are said to be women and children.
Independent human rights organisations dedicated to women's rights have raised concerns about the disproportionate and severe effects of armed violence on women and girls in conflict zones. Many are subjected to heightened levels of sexual and gender-based violence, abuse, and systemic discrimination.
Recent years have seen conflicts becoming more prolonged and complex, often worsened by the widespread availability of firearms. This alarming trend has led to a surge in physical and psychological harm, displacement, exploitation, and human rights violations targeting women and girls. Armed violence not only intensifies existing gender-based violence but also sees firearms frequently used as tools of intimidation, control, and harm. The presence of weapons greatly increases the vulnerability of women and girls, exposing them to heightened risks of abuse, exploitation, torture, inhumane treatment, and even femicide.
The proliferation of small arms in post-conflict societies furthers insecurity and perpetuates violence against women, undermining attempts to restore peace and rebuild communities. Cultural norms that glorify masculinity and firearm ownership further entrench male dominance, especially in times of conflict, reinforcing imbalances of power and the association of guns with control and aggression. This is becoming a significant concern, especially as war footage is widely distributed on social media and easily accessible to young people. Meanwhile, weak legal frameworks and poor enforcement of gun control laws, both during and after conflict, fail to provide adequate protection for women and girls.
What can we learn from this?
While this is a lot to take on, awareness and sharing knowledge is something that we can all take away from this day. These narratives reveal a grim truth: violence against women is deeply rooted in systemic inequalities, inadequate protections, and cultural perceptions of power. Achieving meaningful change requires addressing not only the symptoms but also the structural and societal factors perpetuating this violence. Getting involved in raising awareness to these issues is what The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women sets out to achieve. We recommend learning about these issues from credible sources, such as the UN or WHO, as well as other credible news outlets.
How can you get involved?
Need further support?
End Violence Against Women is a charity that is working to transform the social and political systems that enable violence against women by campaigning, shaping policy and challenging the attitudes that normalise abuse. Here, you can find a list of phone numbers and further resources if you are seeking further help or advice.
Additionally, you can seek further support if you’ve experienced sexual misconduct, or reach out for support from wellbeing@kclsu.org or other external services listed by NHS.