International day for the elimination of violence against women
Every year on November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Therefore, on Saturday, November 26, 2022, we organized an event as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This is an initiative of the United Nations. November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, following the brutal murder of the Mirabal sisters in the Dominican Republic on that day in 1960. They were working as political activists but were murdered in cold blood. This day has been taking place since 1981, and in 2000 the United Nations designated it the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. During this 16-day campaign in combating violence against women, various organizations, governments and NGOs organize activities to create awareness around the topic of gender violence.
Gender equality and human rights are HWA’s priorities. To achieve the elimination of violence, we must work hard on women’s rights and gender equality. That is why HWA organized this event.
The first objective of the event was to create public awareness of Belgian legislation on violence. We also wanted to familiarize participants with the fact that in Belgium, the government can always offer support to victims of violence. For our target group it is very important to know that they will be safe after reporting violence and that they will receive support.
The theme this year was “UNITE” Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls. Through this, the UN e nook HWA wants to move society to work to prevent violence against women and express solidarity with women’s rights activists around the world. Together, we call for a world in which violence against women has no place.
The program included a variety of speakers and activities. There were several speakers, some ladies participated in an interview, some young girls were also featured, we organized an art workshop and we put our women’s council in the spotlight.