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Today's Action Plan:
Why does violence against women and girls REALLY happen?
November 27, 2021
Let's end violence against women together.
Engage. Learn. Act.
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WE Walk:
Strides Against Violence
Inaugural National Virtual Walk
October 1 - December 10, 2021


Orange UNW
Violence Against Women and Girls
Why does it REALLY happen?

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is pervasive. Why? 

  • Because societies accept male dominance and control as the norm and indoctrinate women to be submissive. 
  • Because violence is seen as an acceptable, inherent part of what it means to be a man.
  • Because women are denied legal and economic equality, without which full independence from male control is impossible. 

Wow! That’s a lot to change! Our efforts - and the work of so many allies - are making amazing progress, but we need to do more. 

Todays' Actions:

  • Start small - don’t accept casual misogyny; push back against the small comments, gestures, not-funny jokes, all of which provide a foundation for this unhealthy social hierarchy.
  • Start young - don’t reinforce historical gender stereotypes with children; help the next generation see gender norms differently.
  • Start with words - flip the language narrative that places blame on victims; call out media outlets that reinforce the male narrative.

Let's Make Positive Change Together:
  •  Forward this email to your network so they can learn more about this important issue.
  • Join our effort to stop VAWG and register or donate at WE Walk: Strides Against Violence.
Language Matters
on who is believed - and who is held accountable
The words we use - in the news, in courtrooms, in our homes - matter. Immensely. When we say, "she was raped," there is no rapist, no one responsible. The focus shifts to the victim and not to the perpetrator.

When we say "he raped her," it shows there was an actor, it shows the action was chosen, and it shows that a rapist is responsible.

Changes in language can help empower more women and girls to report violence - and receive the services and justice required.

One in three women experiences violence during their lifetimes. Someone YOU know - your sister, mother, friend - has been hurt. If as a society we do not change the language around these crimes and hold perpetrators accountable, the statistics will never change.
The United Nations is marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence from November 25 to December 10, 2021, under the global theme set by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign. Learn more: “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”
#walk4women #stridesagainstviolence

Save the date for our WE Walk Celebration 3 p.m., Friday, December 10!
Details coming soon!


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