Déclaration Violence against women and girls
On this International Day, Socialist International wish to highlight the courageous struggles of women who fight for their rights and freedom.
Violence and the fear of violence keep women and girls from asserting their rights and freedoms; curtail their access to education, health and employment opportunities; prevent them from entering public spaces and participating in public processes. Violence is, therefore, a primary agent in the reinforcement and replication of gender inequality across generations. It is an everyday war out there, whether in times of peace, or humanitarian crisis, disasters due to climate change or like the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Especially during war, women’s bodies become the battleground for winning the war. More women and girls have lost their lives to violence that the deaths put together in the two World Wars.
Setting global standards for eliminating violence against women and girls demands a stand-alone treaty on Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls that not only holds states and institutions accountable but also religions, cultures and individuals who perpetrate violence against women accountable. There is no cultural, religious, ethnical or any other justification for violence against women and we call for every institution all over the world to take a clear stance on that.
We recognize the growing threat of digital violence, including online harassment, stalking, and the misuse of technology to control and harm women. States and tech platforms must be held accountable to ensure digital spaces are safe for all.
Women’s bravery and resilience in the face of oppression are a source of inspiration for us all. But we cannot leave them alone; they need the support of the whole society, because ending this violence concerns everyone. They have our socialist commitment.
We, members of the Socialist International, affirm our solidarity with these women and all those who, throughout the world, fight against violence and discrimination. Their struggle for equal rights is a global issue that requires the commitment of each of us. We call for international mobilization to support these struggles and to put an end to all forms of violence against women. Together, we can build a future where every woman can live freely and safely, without fear of violence or oppression. Together, let us raise our voices and act for a more just and egalitarian world.
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