President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell calls on the nation to reflect on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, adding that violence against women is a human rights violation, and thereby calling on society to say loud and clear ‘No to violence against women’.
Up to 70 per cent of women experience violence in their lifetime. Between 500,000 to two million people are trafficked annually into situations including prostitution, forced labour, slavery or servitude, according to estimates.
Women and girls account for about 80 per cent of the detected victims.
President Arrindell also supports the United Nation’s (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon UNITE to End Violence Against Women campaign which has proclaimed the 25th of each month Orange Day.
The Orange Day invites everybody to wear something orange to highlight its calls for the eradication of violence against women without reservation, equivocation or delay.
This year, the UNITE Campaign is extending Orange Day to 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, starting November 25 through December 10, Human Rights Day.
"Violence against women is a consequence of discrimination against women, in law and also in practice, and of persisting inequalities between men and women.
"Violence against women impacts on, and impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, combating HIV/AIDS, and peace and security.
"Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic, and up to 70 per cent of women experience violence in their lifetime.
"I would like to take this opportunity to commend Safe Haven management, board and volunteers who assist those who have come into contact with violence, to continue to keep up the valuable work that you are doing in assisting those who have been abused.
"Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential. November 25 is an opportunity for all people to recommit to preventing all forms of violence against women and girls," President Arrindell said on Sunday.
On 17, December 1999, the UN General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and invited governments, international organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations to organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the problem on that day.
PHOTO CUTLINE: President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell.