Every year on the 25th of November, the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to raise awareness, stand in solidarity, and work towards a future free from violence against women and girls. The color orange symbolizes a brighter future, devoid of this horrific violation of human rights.
The Shocking Reality:
Violence against women and girls is a global pandemic, impacting millions across the globe. It can take many forms, including:
- Physical violence: Hitting, kicking, shoving, and other forms of physical assault.
- Sexual violence: Rape, sexual assault, and harassment.
- Psychological violence: Emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, and social isolation.
- Economic abuse: Denying access to financial resources, controlling finances, and sabotaging employment opportunities.
Shattering the Silence:
The statistics surrounding violence against women are staggering. Here are some alarming facts:
- One in three women globally experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. (https://www.un.org/womenwatch/about/)
- Millions of girls experience child marriage, early and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation.
These numbers represent real lives shattered by violence. But we don’t have to be bystanders. This Orange Day, let’s pledge to:
- Educate Ourselves: Learn about the different forms of violence against women and the warning signs.
- Believe Survivors: When someone discloses abuse, listen without judgment and offer support.
- Challenge Sexist Attitudes: Speak out against gender-based stereotypes and promote equality.
- Support Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations working to prevent violence and empower survivors.
Empowering Survivors:
If you are experiencing violence, you are not alone. Here are some resources that can help:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (https://www.thehotline.org/search-our-resources/)
- Love is Respect: https://www.loveisrespect.org/ (https://www.loveisrespect.org/quizzes/)
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (https://www.rainn.org/about-rainn)
Let’s Paint the World Orange:
This Orange Day, let’s not be silent. Wear orange, share informative posts, organize discussions, and raise awareness. By working together, we can create a world where every woman and girl feels safe, respected, and empowered.
Together, we can #OrangeTheWorld and end violence against women and girls, once and for all.
Do you have any ideas or experiences to share in the fight against violence against women? Share them in the comments below!
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
