Breaking the Silence: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
In a world that strives for progress and equality, violence against women remains a pervasive and deeply rooted issue that affects women across the globe. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on November 25th, serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to eradicate the scourge of violence that continues to plague countless lives.
In recent days, Italy has been shaken by the tragic death of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin at the hands of her boyfriend. Close to the World Day against violence against women, Giulia was yet another victim of femicide, the 105th since the start of 2023 in Italy. However, as Silvia Baraldi, CEMR Spokesperson for Gender Equality, poignantly reminds us, Giulia cannot be reduced to a mere statistic and “none of these women should be”.
“It is urgent to give a voice to Giulia and all women, to the victims and to those who, in the silence, can tear it apart in the next few hours,” says Baraldi. On average, one woman dies every 72 hours as a victim of femicide, a chilling statistic that highlights the severity of the issue. “Violence against women is a real social plague, born from the depths of patriarchy, and it can only be combated with joint and interconnected actions between institutions, politics, schools, the family, civil society, and a vast network of men and women committed to cultural change.”
Silvia Baraldi’s call to action is a stark reminder that each woman lost to violence represents a unique life, a story, and a potential future. As we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, let us echo her plea to start the change now.
The battle against violence targeting women transcends a single day; it necessitates continuous dedication. At CEMR, we advocate seizing this moment to contemplate our shared responsibility and strive for a future where every woman can thrive with dignity, equality, and, most crucially, devoid of violence.
Gender, Diversity and Migration Officer
