Violence against women is a violation of human rights and a consequence of discrimination against women, in law and also in practice, as well as the persistent inequalities between men and women.
However, this type of violence is not inevitable, but prevention is possible and essential. For this reason, ESN Salerno has decided to promote this event to raise public awareness of one of the most devastating violations of human rights still very widespread.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, established by the United Nations in 1999. It’s been 21 years from that day but, although some improvements, women still find themselves at a disadvantage and in an inferior position compared to that of men, being criticized and mocked without reason, having to fight for their rights, raising their voices to be heard.
In a society which is increasingly globalized, technologically and scientifically advanced, it seems there’s no much room for talking about women condition; in fact, the roots of the problem can be found in contemporary society and culture.
Since a very young age, women face different challenges: how many times, even among children, one can hear things like “ you’re so girly!”, “ pink is not a color for boys” or “girls should not play football, dance is better”? As if the fact of being born woman implied that there are things that, by nature, can’t be done.
Another challenge is linked to the labor market, in which, often women are paid less than men for the same job position, and when, from the start, it’s preferred not to hire a woman or when women are obliged to choose between having a career or a family, because the two things seem to not go well together.
The lack of consideration and respect towards women can lead to harassments and abuses, like restrictions of personal freedom, blackmails, physical and psychological violence, stalking and threats. Gender violence is a real problem that affects 31,5% of Italian population for what concerns sexual and physical violence, while 26,4% of Italian women experienced psychological and economic violence (Istat data).
During this awareness day everyone was encouraged to send a black and white photo with only one red mark.
