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.
Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30: Men and Boys in Action to #orangeurhood
- Call on men and boys to share photos of themselves via social media wearing orange with a message explaining their support for the issue, including the hashtags #HeforShe and #orangeurhood.
- Organize a round-table with men’s organizations and women’s organizations working towards gender equality and the elimination of violence against women, to discuss how they can work together to enhance women’s agency and end structural discrimination to prevent and end violence against women, and share information about effective prevention strategies and initiatives.
- Plan to study the curriculum, Men in the Mirror; Constructing and Applying a Christ-centered Masculinity to Interpersonal Relationships by the Rev. Dr. Kevin Frederick of Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence Network.
Prayer for the day:
Gracious and Loving God, as we work toward gender equality, we recognize that we need both men and women working together. We pray especially today for the men who are joining this fight, for the men who want to increase awareness and eliminate this violence, and for all your children to work together as brothers and sisters. For it is only through your love that we can work together to change the world. Amen.
prayer by Richard Aylor, intern from Princeton Theological Seminary