Today, November 25th, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Violence against women is any act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, which can severely impact a woman at all stages of her life.

According to the United Nations (2021), “violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today and remains largely unreported due to impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.”

Furthermore, 1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often by an intimate partner. However, less than 40 percent of women and girls who experience violence seek help (United Nations, 2021).

The theme this year is “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!,” in which orange symbolizes a brighter future free of violence against women and girls.

At FCJ Refugee Centre we mark this day as a day to raise awareness on violence against women and girls, and to honour all victims and survivors.

We encourage everyone to continue raising their voice because we all have a role to play in eliminating the existence of a culture that continues to perpetuate violence against women and girls. You can do so by speaking out, educating others, and most importantly supporting survivors in their journey to justice.

A woman’s place is everywhere, and in every space she has the right to feel safe and welcomed.