On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we, women of diverse faiths, beliefs, traditions and spiritualities, from different countries around the world, come together to speak out against violence in all forms, particularly against girls and women, who continue to suffer multiple forms, and disproportionately so. According to our partners the World Health Organisation, 1 in 3 women – around 736 million globally – experiences physical or sexual violence throughout her/their lifetime.
Thursdays in Black
YMCA: “Name gender-based violence for what it is”
Religions for Peace Australia endorses the Thursdays in Black campaign. The World Council of Churches and Religions for Peace International have taken up Thursdays in Black and Naming Gender-based-violence in a practical manner with video, webinar and ongoing interviews. There is the series of interviews with Thursdays in Black ambassadors which highlights those who are playing a vital role in increasing the impact of our collective call for a world without rape and violence. Casey Harden is general secretary of the World YWCA.
16 Days: global voices ring strongly against gender-based violence
The 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Australian churches confront domestic and family violence
Recognising that a number of churches around the country were working to address domestic and family violence in different ways, the National Council of Churches in Australia organised a round-table on Domestic Violence in Melbourne on 2 May.
Valentines Day 2019: Thursdays in Black
Valentine’s Day, 14 February, falls on a Thursday this year, and is being connected to the Thursdays in Black campaign against rape and violence. Recognizing that Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, the World Council of Churches states that for too many people, “love” comes with abuse and violence.
Thursdays in Black
In every country, gender-based violence is a tragic reality. This violence is frequently hidden, and victims are often silent, fearing stigma and further violence.
We all have a responsibility to speak out against violence, to ensure that women and men, boys and girls, are safe from rape and violence in homes, schools, work, streets – in all places in our societies.
