On November 25th we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day was set in honour of the Mirabal sisters, outspoken activists in the Dominican Republic who were assassinated on November 25th 1960.
The International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women has since been established as a day to raise awareness about the many forms of violence that women worldwide often experience, and highlight the scale at which these experiences are felt yet underdiscussed or hidden. In times of the global COVID-19 pandemic, all types of violence against women and girls has intensified to the point where essential services, such as helplines and domestic violence shelters worldwide, have reached capacity. The United Nations have named this increase in abuse: ‘The Shadow Pandemic.’ To highlight the increased urgency of violence against women and girls within the context of the pandemic and urge people to help contribute in whatever way they can, this year’s theme for the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women is: ‘Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!’
Gender-based violence is a human rights issue that affects everyone alike, regardless of gender. Violence and abuse are complex issues to resolve. The more widespread awareness and education there is regarding the many forms of abuse and its frequency, the better people will be equipped to combat and eliminate it.
Aflateen + and the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Aflatoun International is an NGO that primarily offers social and financial education for children and young people around the world, with the mission to empower these students to become autonomous thinkers and leaders of the future. Nevertheless, the successful empowerment of children and young people cannot be achieved with only social and financial education: education must ensure students’ overall wellbeing as well. We at Aflatoun International recognise this, which is why we offer Aflateen+ curriculum, designed for students between the ages of 15 and 18. Aflateen+ focuses on gender equality by highlighting economic, social, health and rights issues that are often experienced by girls and women around the world. The programme is made up of gender inclusive materials that were designed to meet the evolving needs of students in diverse contexts and can be adapted to relevant local situations. It covers topics of social education, economic empowerment, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and even child marriage.
Through Aflateen+, girls and boys alike are educated on the gender-based issues that have challenged societies throughout history. They then become prepared to navigate the social challenges of life in a way that can protect themselves and others around them.
