There’s never been a better time for us to make our voices heard than this 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. (25th November - 10th December).
As a young woman, I strongly feel the need to speak out and take action on issues that obstruct gender equality. Why?
Because issues like harassment and violence are at risk of becoming normalised in my country, Sri Lanka, where 90% of women report having endured harassment on public transport.
Violation of girls' rights
Let’s be very clear about this. Whether it’s verbal, physical or digital – harassment IS a violation of girls and women’s rights. Every girl should be able to live and speak out without having to face discrimination.
We all have a part to play, and I’m determined to do mine.
We need to challenge the culture of impunity, ignorance and acceptance that protects perpetrators and silences victims. We all have a part to play, and I’m determined to do mine.
Changing attitudes
For almost 6 years I’ve been training community leaders from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh about these topics through the, “Stop the Violence” campaign with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS).
Educating others on the causes and consequences of violence and discrimination against girls and young women is key. I have also been involved with other global youth activists in the creation of the Girls Get Equal campaign which demands equal power, freedom and respect for girls and women.
If we want to tackle issues like harassment and violence at their very core we NEED to go deep. We must change attitudes and breakdown stereotypes that allow these behaviours, and that starts by giving girls space to talk and challenge the status quo on AND offline.
I can’t stress enough - when girls and women are empowered they can change the lives of their peers, communities and countries.
Supporting equality means a better world for everyone – we all win!
Stand with girls
Stand with girls this 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by signing the Girls Get Equal pledge!
