It’s possible to end Violence Against Women!
UNiTE to End Violence Against Women designates the 25th of each month to Orange Day. This month, Orange Day is dedicated to Mobilizing Resources to End Violence Against Women (VAW). That includes:
- Providing survivors with resources and services
- Increasing measures to prevent VAW
- Creation and also implementation of laws and policies to provide lasting change
Violence Against Women stems from gender roles and societal norms. Violence affects gender equality, has serious financial and economic impacts, and is a barrier to development. Therefore, investments in ending violence against women and girls should be priority for development.
Global Costs of VAW
According to the UN, the cost of violence in 2013 actually made up around 11.2% of the global economy. In addition, intimate partner violence was 5.2% of this total. If we end VAW, those billions of dollars could as a result be put to good use elsewhere.
Despite the high global costs of VAW, it is still not widely considered an economic cost. Therefore we must use resources to address this global pandemic. Otherwise, VAW will continue to threaten gender equality while also impacting finances. Here are some ways we can end VAW:
- Inform your government representatives on the need for resources to help prevent and end VAW.
- Stimulate conversation in your communities.
- Raise money for your local women’s shelter or other services dedicated to ending VAW or aiding victims.
Some examples of how Sayfty addresses VAW include:
Through its weekly Twitter chats, SayftyChat sparks conversation on the issue of #VAW among people from all over the world. In addition, the chat provides a safe space for all to discuss topics related to VAW. The chat focuses on raising awareness on taboo topics, discusses the local problems, and while also sharing potential solutions to address the issue of VAW.
Speak Our Stories – Allows survivors of sexual abuse to share their stories. Above all, Sayfty believes that there is strength in many voices and providing shared resources and solutions helps every survivor find the help they need.
Some other useful resources from the UN include:
- UNiTE Campaign’s latest brochure shares more about why money matters to end violence against women and girls.
- Tips and advice on how to make the most of your fundraising activities in the Orange the World Fundraising Toolkit.
- UNDP’s toolkit on Financing Solutions for Sustainable Development provides guidance for policy makers and practitioners to critically review and also operationalize financing solutions needed to implement sustainable development strategies.
- Advance draft of the 2017 report of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing for Development.
About the Author
Kathryn Pitts is a Political Science major at Georgia State University, pursuing a career in the non-profit sector. She is aiming to work with refugees, specifically women and children, and women’s rights on a global scale. She is passionate about volunteer work and strives to help others every day. Kathryn also enjoys playing with her dog and hiking on weekends off.
Image Source: YouFem