Everyday women around the globe face abuse and violence. Domestic violence, sexual assault and female genital mutilation (FGM) are all too common. Gender inequality is resulting in increased sexual abuse and violence against women and girls as well as the denial of their basic human rights. Extreme poverty further increases the vulnerability of the world’s poorest especially women and girls. They face difficulty pressing charges, accessing justice, or even healthcare services for physical and psychological support due to the traditions of their communities but also the laws of their countries.
From 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, stand with us, UN women and our partners around the globe for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign ! You can take action: sign the petition below to add your voice to a growing chorus of men and women saying #HearMeToo, donate now, or volunteer. You can sign this pledge and send a photo of you on social media raising your right hand with the official hashtag to join the growing movement of women and men working to end gender-based violence.
if not now, when?
- Approximately 15 million adolescent girls worldwide have experienced forced sex at some point in their life
- United Nations estimates that 200 million girls and women have undergone some form of Female Genital Mutilation*
- Men are more likely to perpetrate violence if they have a history of child maltreatment, exposure to domestic violence against their mothers, harmful use of alcohol, unequal gender norms including attitudes accepting of violence, and a sense of entitlement over women. *
- In West and Central Africa, over 4 out of 10 young women were married before their 18th birthday. Child marriage often results in early pregnancy and social isolation, interrupts schooling, limits the girl’s opportunities and increases her risk of experiencing domestic violence *
Today we need your help. Help us alleviate poverty, put an end to gender violence and advance the rights of women and girls.
Join us today.
Add your name to stand with Crossroads International to end violence against women and achieve equality for women and girls!