The United Nations has designated November 25 as the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign, lasts from November 25 to December 10, Human Rights Day, chosen to emphasize that violence against women is a violation of human rights. The theme for this year’s campaign set is “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Gender-Based Violence!” The UNiTE Campaign and UN Women offer suggestions to mark each day of the 16 Days of Activism.
Wednesday, November 26: Education and Training of Women
- Orange your campus! Decorate your campus orange and distribute information about violence against women and girls. Write letters to your college magazine or newsletter to raise awareness of the issue.
- If you are an educator, or part of a youth organization, check out the co-educational curriculum Voices against Violence, which was developed by UN Women and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to prevent violence against women and girls.
- Organize a public lecture or discussion on violence against women and girls in and around educational institutions and discuss the importance of educational programs in shaping respectful relationships and changing harmful gender stereotypes early in life. If appropriate, use the opportunity to share information about what support services are in place. You can also organize discussions on social media using the hashtags #16days and #orangeurhood.
Prayer for the day:
Dear God, we come to you today with a prayer of awareness for the many women around the world that suffer from violence. We ask for your guidance for those who involved in providing education and for your love to enter the hearts of the many women who are oppressed. Just as you created both men and women in your image, help us to continue striving for the rights of women until all people are treated equally. Amen.
prayer by Richard Aylor, intern from Princeton Theological Seminary