In 2020, Covid-19 affected our lives in almost every way, everywhere, as countries switched to deadlock and limited movement to prevent the virus from spreading. As the doors closed and isolation began, reports of all forms of violence against women and girls, especially domestic violence, began to increase.
The pandemic of violence against women is not new. Even before Covid-19 appeared, globally, 243 million women and girls were abused by their intimate partners over the past year.
In the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25 - December 10) campaign, UN Women is collaborating with people in various fields on the need for funding, essential services, prevention and information on violence against women.
1. Listen and believe the survivors
When a woman shares her history of violence, she takes the first step to breaking the cycle of abuse. It is up to us to give her the safe space to speak and understand that she is heard. Never blame the victims and oppose the idea that it is up to women to avoid dangerous situations.
Do not say, "Why did she not leave?"
Say: We hear you. We believe in you. We are with you."
2. Learn the next generation and learn from them
Start conversations about gender roles early and challenge certain traditional traits and characteristics towards men and women. Note the stereotypes that children constantly encounter, whether in the media, on the street or at school, and show them that it is okay to be different. Encourage a culture of acceptance.
3. Seek essential services for survivors of violence
Services for survivors are essential services. This means that shelters, call centers, counseling and all support for survivors of gender-based violence should be available to those in need, even during the coronavirus pandemic.
4. Learn the signs of abuse and how you can help
Ka shumë forma të abuzimit dhe të gjitha ato mund të kenë efekte serioze fizike dhe emocionale. Nëse shqetësoheni për një mikeshë e cila mund të jetë duke përjetuar dhunë ose ndihet e pasigurt, kushtojini rëndësi këtyre shenjave dhe mësoni rreth mënyrave për t'i ndihmuar ato të gjejnë siguri dhe mbështetje.
5. Bisedoni
Dhuna ndaj grave dhe vajzave është një shkelje e të drejtave të njeriut. Është e pranishme kudo, por nuk është e pashmangshme, nëse nuk qëndrojmë të heshtur. Tregoni solidaritetin tuaj. Qoftë edhe në Instagram psër shembull, mund të përdorni filtrin e fytyrës së UN Women dhe për të inkurajuar të tjerët.
6. Mbani një qëndrim kundër dhunës seksuale
The culture of rape is the social environment that allows sexual violence to be normalized and justified, fueled by persistent gender inequalities and attitudes about gender and sexuality.
7. Donate to women's organizations
Donate to local organizations that empower women, support survivors, and promote the acceptance of all gender identities and sexualities.
UN Women works with women's organizations everywhere to end violence against women, help survivors, and ensure equal rights for women and girls everywhere.
- Read the full UN Women article here .
