International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women — Why Should We Still Talk About It?

[suman]

Hi everyone,

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and I wanted to open a meaningful discussion around it — not just as a date on the calendar, but as a reminder of an issue that’s still affecting millions globally.

Even though we’ve seen progress through awareness campaigns, stronger laws, and advocacy work, the statistics are still deeply concerning. According to the United Nations, 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence — and that doesn’t even include emotional, financial, or digital abuse, which often goes unreported or overlooked.

Violence isn’t just physical harm. It can include:

• Coercive control
• Harassment (online or offline)
• Threats and intimidation
• Forced marriage
• Economic abuse
• Stalking
• Manipulation and emotional abuse

A lot of survivors remain silent due to fear, shame, or lack of support systems — and that silence often protects the abuser, not the victim.

This day exists to:

✔ Raise awareness
✔ Support survivors
✔ Challenge harmful societal norms
✔ Advocate for stronger protections
✔ Encourage prevention and education

I’m curious to hear your thoughts:

• Do you think awareness days like this actually make a difference?
• What changes do you believe need to happen in schools, workplaces, and communities?
• How can everyday people contribute to a safer environment for women?

No pressure to share personal experiences unless you're comfortable — this thread is meant to be supportive, respectful, and informative.

Thanks for reading — looking forward to hearing your perspectives.

[anuradha]

Absolutely — awareness days like this do make a difference, not because they solve the problem instantly, but because they spark conversations we often avoid. They remind people that violence isn’t just physical and that many forms of abuse stay hidden. Real change, though, has to start early. Schools should teach consent, empathy, and healthy relationships. Workplaces need stronger reporting systems and zero-tolerance policies. Communities must stop normalizing harmful behaviour and call it out instead of ignoring it. And everyday people can help by listening without judgment, supporting survivors, challenging sexist jokes or comments, and educating themselves. Small actions create safer spaces — and collectively, they push society forward.

[tanjuman]

This day remains crucial because gender-based violence is still a widespread and urgent issue, affecting millions of women and girls worldwide. Even today, many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear, and lack of proper support systems. Talking about it raises awareness, encourages open dialogue, supports survivors, and pushes governments and communities to implement stronger protections and prevention strategies. The more we keep this conversation active, the closer we move toward a society where women can live with dignity, safety, and equal rights—free from violence in all its forms.

[Manisha Kundal]

This is an important and thoughtful post, and I’m glad you opened the conversation. Awareness days like this matter because they bring visibility to something many still consider a private issue or a “taboo” topic. The reality is that violence against women remains widespread, and in many places, deeply normalised. Without continued dialogue, education, and accountability, progress can be slow or even reverse.

Change isn’t only about policies or laws — although those are crucial — but also about shifting cultural mindsets. Schools need to teach consent, respect, and emotional intelligence early. Workplaces need clear reporting systems, zero-tolerance policies, and proper support for those affected. Communities need to challenge harmful stereotypes and stop blaming victims.

On a personal level, even small actions matter: listening without judgement, intervening safely when something feels wrong, educating ourselves, and calling out harmful behaviour rather than ignoring it.

Talking about it isn’t enough on its own, but silence guarantees nothing changes. So yes — we still need these conversations, and we need them consistently.