Today marks over 100 years of International Women’s Day. This year’s “theme” is women and men uniting to end violence against women and girls. International Women’s Day continues to be a global day that celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women, past, present and future.
For me and many others, today is another opportunity to highlight persistent inequalities against women and girls. It is also a time for us to come together and do our part to end the violence against us.
Girls between the ages of 15 and 19 statistically account for 50% of sexual abuse victims worldwide. FBI daily reports show alarming increase in women and children used for sexual exploitation and sex trade.
If you are victimized, abused, attacked, or violated, you can unfortunately live with those scars forever, and find peace, security, and personal well-being after such an experience. The empowerment and self-esteem of women can be difficult to regain.We at the Women’s Self-Defense Institute are passionate about doing what we can to raise women and girls to a level of status and respect.
Violence against women can and must be prevented. Start by speaking up and sharing information. One of us is not alone in this. As women, we need to put aside the shame and fear we feel and reach out to help each other become stronger and safer.
Teach your children to respect each other. Take a self-defense class. Find someone you can trust to talk to.
For all of us, today is more than ever a reminder of the areas where women still have to fight for their basic rights, and where they continue to be victims of violence and enduring inequalities. increase.
As Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for president of the United States, said in 1872, “Today, if women stand up in unison and demand liberation, men will be forced to admit it.” These words are as true today as they were 135 years ago.
Be an Activist – Speak Up!
