16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
25 November 2020 is the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Combating violence against women and girls is a key priority for the worldwide Anglican Communion, and its Churches across over 165 countries. Bishop Robert has launched our diocesan support to this initiative with a video message.
One in three women in the world has experienced violence, ranging from psychological to physical. Women are abused in their own homes, stalked, harassed, raped, mutilated, forced by their family to enter into marriage, or sterilised against their will. It is often very difficult for women to speak out against such violence.
National and European surveys and awareness-raising campaigns have shown how widespread domestic and sexual violence are, and evidence being gathered indicates these have increased during the Covid-19 lockdown.
In his message, Bishop Robert says:
"Anglicans in Europe are supporting actively these efforts by our sisters and brothers across the Communion, and we are giving our wholehearted support to the Anglican Communion's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence 2020. We are engaging in work in the European Institutions, which are committed to preventing and combating such violence."
The Council of Europe, founded in 1949, is an international organization dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law. In 2011 the Council of Europe adopted the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (known as the Istanbul Convention). It entered into force in 2014 and 45 Member States and the European Union have signed the Convention.
The Istanbul Convention is widely recognised as the most far-reaching legal instrument to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence as a violation of human rights. The Convention covers provisions on prevention and protection, prosecution of perpetrators, and the need for Governments to ensure they have co-ordinated policies on these issues.
To support the Anglican Communion’s campaign, starting today and through to UN Human Rights Day on 10 December, we will carry videos and tweets on our social media channels to share information and raise awareness on the Istanbul Convention.
Bishop Robert adds:
“We must act today against violence against women and domestic violence. Our Christian faith calls us to shine a light in these dark places.”
Please support the Anglican Communion’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, and the Diocese in Europe’s campaign on this vitally important agenda.
Here are some links for you to find out more about the 16 Days annual global campaign on these websites and social media:
Anglican Communion:
Twitter: @AnglicansENDGBV
Council of Europe:
https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/home
Twitter: @coe
#IstanbulConvention
16 Days Campaign:
Twitter: @16DaysCampaign
#16Days
