Till it happens to you: Violence against women

In the last month, Lady Gaga released one of her recent videos: “Till it happens to you” (a video that contains strong content, we recommend parents supervision). The video addresses a current common issue that can horrify any parent: rape and sexual assault in colleges. This is one of the many artists that uses her voice to speak up about issues that affect us all. Violence against women is a more common crime than what people usually think.

Violence against women is considered a gender based hate crime, pandemic even. According to former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, at least one out of every three women in the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or abused in her lifetime, with the abuser usually someone known to her. These are not isolated acts that only occur in poor communities where women are sexuality mutilated and experience brutality. Violence occurs in every country in the world.

Unite to End Violence Against Women

In 2008, the United Nations Secretary-General launched a campaign to put an end to this centuries old practice: Unite to End Violence Against Women.The campaign aims to raise public awareness and increase political will and resources for preventing and ending all forms of violence against women and girls in all parts of the world. The UNiTE campaign is working to mobilize individuals and communities. In addition to supporting the longstanding efforts of women’s and civil society organizations, the campaign is actively engaging with men, young people, celebrities, artists, sports personalities, private sector and many more. The current Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, states: “Break the silence. When you witness violence against women and girls, do not sit back. Act“.

One Billion Rising dance flash mob in Denver

One Billion Rising Revolution

Another campaign that is trying to increase awareness and displays public manifestations is One Billion Rising Revolution organization. One Billion Rising Campaign is the biggest mass action to end violence against women in human history. The campaign, launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. On 14 February 2013, people across the world came together to express their outrage, strike, dance, and RISE in defiance of the injustices women suffer, demanding an end at last to violence against women. On 14 February 2015, millions of activists in over 200 countries gathered to Rise for REVOLUTION.

 

It’s essential that women, girls, boys and men unite in one voice and support campaigns like these. Take action by sharing information on social networks and making donations. Don’t be indifferent. Read more about One Billion Rising Campaign and its activism this year. Read more about flash mobs and some cool facts.