International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 25 November

"Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation, 

public health pandemic and serious obstacle to sustainable development.

 It imposes large-scale costs on families, communities and economies. 

The world cannot afford to pay this price." 

Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General

Why This International Day?

Violence against women is a human rights violation.

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 and girls is not inevitable. 

Prevention is possible and essential.

Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic.