International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: Its significance for medicine and society

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is celebrated on 25 November, marks the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This aim of this day is to raise awareness that violence against women is a human rights issue and to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls in all its forms [1][3].

Significance in medicine

Violence against women has serious health consequences, both immediate and long-term. These include injuries and serious physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health problems, including sexually transmitted infections, HIV, unplanned pregnancies and mental health problems [2]. The high prevalence of violence against women and its significant health impacts make it one of the most pressing global health issues.

Health professionals play a crucial role in combating and responding to violence against women. They can recognise and treat injuries, provide counselling and support, and work to raise awareness of the health consequences of gender-based violence. They can also advocate for policies and programmes aimed at preventing and reducing violence against women [2].

Importance in society

Violence against women is a global and systemic crisis. 1 in 3 women worldwide have been victims of violence at least once in their lives [5]. It is important to raise awareness and mobilise efforts to ensure that women and girls in all their diversity can live free from all forms of violence. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds us that we must act and commit together to end this scourge.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in gender-based violence, making it more important than ever to stand up and speak out against it. The 16 Days of Activism campaign encourages people and organisations to support efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls, taking a people-centred approach that focuses on the rights of those affected by violence [1][4].

Conclusion

To summarise, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is of great importance in both the medical and social fields. It serves as a platform to raise awareness of the global epidemic of gender-based violence, honour those who have lost their lives to this disease and support women living with the consequences of violence. The day also provides a platform to showcase the latest research successes and findings in the fight against gender-based violence and to promote the rights of people affected by this disease. As the world continues to fight against gender-based violence, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women remains an important annual event that unites communities and organisations in their commitment to ending this epidemic [1][2][3][4][5].

References:

1. https://www.paho.org/en/campaigns/international-day-elimination-violence-against-women-2023-16-days-activism-against-gender
2. 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women. (n.d.). In World Health Organisation. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/outheastasia/news/detail/27-11-2023-16-days-of-activism-against-violence-against-women
3. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. (n.d.). In United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/enobservances/ending-violence-against-women-day
4. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. (n.d.). In University of Manchester. Retrieved from https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=30621
5. International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women | United Nations. (n.d.). In Refugees. Retrieved from https://www.refugees.org/international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women