November 09, 2011

Nov. 25: International Day to End Violence Against Women

Source:  NYSUT Social Justice

Information and ideas to mobilize NYSUT members in the struggle to eliminate violence against women

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

But, as we know, the struggle to educate women andmen about the varieties of violence and how if affects allwomen and men and children must happen every day!

NYSUT members and leaders have been working against domestic violence, bullying, sexual harassment and violence, trafficking and the myriad ways in which women and girls, in particular, are hurt by violence.

About the International Day to End Violence Against Women

Established by the United Nations in 1999 and first observed in 2000, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women seeks to:

  • raise awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international levels;
  • strengthen local work around violence against women;
  • establish a clear link between local and international work to end violence against women;
  • provide a forum in which organizers can develop and share new and effective strategies;
  • demonstrate the solidarity of women around the world organizing against violence against women;
  • create tools to pressure governments to implement promises made to eliminate violence against women.

Taking the Pledge

In 2010, hundreds of NYSUT members and families pledged to work to end all violence against women.

They took the pledge around their Thanksgiving tables.

I PROMISE
NEVER TO COMMIT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN;
NEVER TO EXCUSE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN;
NEVER TO REMAIN SILENT ABOUT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.
THIS IS MY PLEDGE. THIS IS MY COMMITMENT.

For more information

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Facts and figures on violence against women

Violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions. Based on country data available, up to 70 percent of women experience physical or sexual violence from men in their lifetime - the majority by husbands, intimate partners or someone they know. Report and summary by UN Women.

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Local union president offers guidance and resources for ending violence against women

Freeport Teachers' Association President, Stu Napear has been a leading voice urging members and students to learn about violence against women, and to speak out and act to end it. He shares his experience here, and offers guidance for your local union.