Women in Action (WIA) stands in solidarity with the campaign to raise public awareness and the need to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
“As the world observes International day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we remember all victims of violence, particularly women who have been victims of sexual offences, domestic violence and murder. Violence against women is truly seen as discrimination against women who are referred to as the weaker gender, even whilst inequalities between men and women persist in a male dominated world,” WIA said.
WIA said it recognises that many cases of violence against women are unreported, such as sexual assaults at work or domestic violence in the home.
“This situation is exacerbated by the severely depressed state of the economy where victims are economically dependent on their abusers. Many women are left emotionally and physically scarred and suffer in silence.
“The true scale and nature of violence against women and girls are grossly underreported and therefore needs to be persistently highlighted by all within our society who are charged with the responsibility to protect women’s basic rights to live a life free of violence.”
WIA therefore calls on individuals and communities to be vigilant, be aware and report any sign or suspicion of violence against women and girls to the police and the departments of Gender Relations and Human Services.