International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women Roundup
November 25 is recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Demonstrations took place in numerous cities globally as tens of thousands of people rallied to commemorate the occasion, advocating for robust policies to eradicate violence against women.
Russia: Over the last two weeks, different groups in various cities sought approval to organize gatherings, but assemblies were prohibited "due to pandemic-related restrictions." In Novosibirsk alone, a group of women secured permission to assemble in a cultural center, although journalists were barred from attending. Participants were cautioned against making political or critical statements. The primary demand of these women was the repatriation of their husbands from Ukraine.
Italy: This year's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was marred by heightened shock and public outrage over the killing of a 22-year-old woman by her ex-boyfriend. The family had reported her disappearance to the police a week before her lifeless body was discovered 120 kilometers north of Venice. The 22-year-old ex-boyfriend, facing murder accusations, was apprehended in Germany.
France: Crowds of individuals marched through the streets brandishing signs in solidarity with women's rights. Demonstrators called for augmentation of the budget allocated to combat violence against women. Official figures reveal 121 instances of "femicide" in France this year, compared to 118 cases in 2022.
Spain: In Madrid, a gathering of seven thousand people joined a demonstration protesting against the violation of women and their rights.
Turkey: In Istanbul, around 500 female demonstrators took to the streets, holding placards that proclaimed, "We will not remain silent." Simultaneously, Ankara, the capital of Turkey, saw protests denouncing violence against women.
Latin America: In Guatemala, protesters illuminated candles arranged in the form of the number 438 on the ground, symbolizing the tragic toll of femicide in 2023, where 438 women lost their lives. Meanwhile, in the capital of Chile, participants held images of the victims.
Message from the Pope: Eradicating this toxic weed is imperative.
