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.
Friday, November 28: Women and Armed Conflict
- Show your solidarity with women in conflict situations: participate in UN Action’s ‘Get Cross’ action – take a photo of yourself wearing orange with your arms crossed, and share at. Follow @UNAction on Twitter.
- Engage the military in your country to instigate a conversation about violence against women in the military, and the role of the military in efforts to end violence against women and girls. In addition, you may also to discuss sexual violence against women and girls in conflict, and how other forms of violence against women and girls, such as domestic violence, trafficking and child marriage, are exacerbated during conflict.
Prayer for the day:
Lord, we pray for peace in a world that has so much conflict. There are so many who are suffering in areas where there is armed conflict, and some days it seems like this violence will never end. We pray for women who are victims of violence, especially during armed conflict. We pray for our military and for all militaries around the world, that they help to protect women from violence, instead of causing this violence. Your guidance is what we need during these times of trouble and suffering, Oh God. Please protect and be with all those who are suffering from violence. Amen.
Richard Aylor, intern from Princeton Theological Seminary