The Universal Peace Federation UK would like to invite you, on the 26th of November at 6PM, to our online commemoration of “UN International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls” (EVAWG) under the 2020 global theme: "Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!"

Speakers include:

Carole Stone CBE: Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Patron

Shaun Bailey MP: Conservative MP for West Bromwich West

Marie Hanson MBE: Founder & President of Domestic Violence Charity, STORM

Baroness Sandip Verma: Former Equalities Spokesperson & Chair of UN Women UK

Pamela Zaballa: Global Executive Director of NO MORE.

Chris Green OBE: Founder, White Ribbon UK

Madi Sharma: Former UK Member of the European Economic and Social Committee

Rt. Hon. Baroness Jan Royall PC: Principal of Somerville College, Oxford University. Former Leader of the House of Lords. (tbc)

The UN Secretary General's campaign highlights 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence activities occur from 25 November to Human Rights Day on December 10th, with the plan to eliminate this violence by 2030.

As the world retreats inside houses due to the lockdown measures introduced to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, reports from around the world showed an alarming increase in the already existing pandemic of violence against women. “Accompanying the crisis has been a spike in domestic violence reporting, at exactly the time that services, including rule of law, health and shelters, are being diverted to address the pandemic,” said the UN Secretary-General's report “Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity: Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19". During the UK’s first lockdown in March we, at UPF, convened a ZOOM conference entitled 'Domestic Violence During Lockdown' to assemble experts to raise awareness and explain the resources available to victims. It was a hugely successful event with a panel of top-level speakers including Chris Green, Founder and President of White Ribbon UK. Please see the following link to find out more: http://uk.upf.org/ukupf/marriage-and-family/885-domestic-violence-during-lockdown

Globally, even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, 1 in 3 women experienced physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner and emerging data shows an increase in calls to domestic violence helplines in many countries since the outbreak of COVID-19. It is estimated cases have increased by more than 20% during the first lockdown.

Imagine a world where a female, no matter her age, can participate in politics, receive an education, have her own income, and dress and speak with no fear of discrimination. In particular, imagine a world with no violence against women and girls, where each female person feels safe, wanted and respected. Imagine a world of equality and acceptance.

The greatest achievements, accomplishments, studies, movements, amongst others all began with an idea. It was the dedication and free will of the individual and groups to spread their ideas changing our reality for the better. By working together, asking for help, and getting involved we can make EVAWG a reality. With this strong global momentum striving for EVAWG there has never been a more important time to keep motivated.

Collective action and shared responsibility for driving change is what will make EVAWG day successful. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned women journalist and activist once, explained "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single person nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about rights and safety of women and girls."

Universal Peace Federation honours UN International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls by holding an annual event to address the increasing violence against women and girls by raising awareness and encourage collective action to say STOP domestic violence. Topics that have been covered in the past include domestic abuse, trafficking, highlighting women’s political and economic participation, and violence against women. This is the opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate, honour, and take action.

Kindly RSVP. Reserve your place. We look forward to welcome you to what promises to be a very meaningful event.

Margaret Keverian-Ali

Director, UPF - UK

Mobile: 07723024750

Robin Marsh

Secretary General, UPF - UK

Mobile: 07956210768

Universal Peace Federation (UPF) – UK

UPF - UK is now a Charity Number 1185412

Please donate for us to be able to continue this work here

pa@uk.upf.org

@ukUPF

www.uk.upf.org

UPF is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN