Standing Together: Why We Must End Violence Against Women

FFJ-blog--Violence-against-Women

Standing Together: Why We Must End Violence Against Women  

A Day That Demands Our Attention  

Every year on 25 November, the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a reminder that violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations.

At Festivals for Joy, we believe no one should ever feel unsafe in their own home, or silenced by fear. This day is not only a symbol — it’s a calling to act, listen, and support women and girls who live with danger, stigma, and injustice every day.

Why This Day Matters — A Global Snapshot  

Violence against women takes many forms: physical, sexual, psychological, economic. According to UN data, nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide experience some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime. United Nations In 2023, an estimated 51,100 women were killed by intimate partners or family members, that’s roughly one woman every 10 minutes.

These numbers represent real people: mothers, daughters, sisters. They reflect a deep-rooted crisis in social norms, legal protections, and resource allocations. The day also kicks off the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, urging governments, civil society, and individuals to unite in prevention.

What We at Festivals for Joy Are Doing  

Our mission has always been to spread joy and empowerment, and that includes standing with women who face violence. Here’s how we contribute within our communities:

  • Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship: Through our WESWASAM program, we support rural women entrepreneurs to build financial independence. Economic empowerment is a powerful tool to reduce vulnerability to violence.

  • Raising Awareness & Safety: In partnership with Bhagavatula Charitable Trust and local leaders, we organize conversations and workshops that focus on women’s rights, respect, and self-worth. A recent program, “Suma garu Visits BCT,” showed how many rural women open up when given a safe space.

We believe that by empowering women economically and emotionally, we help build safer communities where violence has no place.

Why Ending Violence is Everyone’s Responsibility  

Change Begins with Awareness  

Violence often hides behind closed doors and silent acceptance. By raising awareness through storytelling, community meetings, and online campaigns, we can challenge harmful norms that perpetuate abuse.

Prevention Through Education & Support  

Education is key — not just for women, but for men and boys too. We encourage gender-sensitive education, conflict resolution skills, and healthy relationship models in our outreach. When communities learn to respect equality, the seeds of violence are uprooted.

Supporting Survivors  

Survivors need more than sympathy; they need actionable support from access to counselling, legal help, and safe environments. Our network of community partners helps provide these resources and connect women to long-term assistance.

Amplifying Voices  

Change is not top-down; it must come from the grassroots. We support women leaders, local activists, and survivor advocates in telling their stories and demanding accountability. When voices rise, so does pressure for systemic change.

What You Can Do — Our Call to Action  

  1. Listen & Believe: If someone shares their experience, offer your ear and trust. Validation can be a powerful step toward healing.

  2. Get Involved: Join local initiatives, volunteer in community centers, or help run awareness workshops.

  3. Use Your Platform: Speak out on social media. Donate. Sign petitions. Encourage local leaders to prioritize gender-based violence prevention.

  4. Support Economic Empowerment: Community support for women earning their livelihood strengthens their independence and reduces the risk of violence.

We at Festivals for Joy invite you to walk with us — not just on Nov 25, but every day — to build stronger, safer, and more respectful communities.

A Vision of Hope & Safety  

Ending violence against women is not a distant dream. It’s possible — and it begins with collective will. When we invest in women’s safety, dignity, and opportunity, we strengthen not just individuals, but entire communities.

On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we reaffirm our commitment: to listen, learn, empower, and take action. Because justice is not just about changing laws — it’s about changing hearts.
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