International Day to End Violence Against Women - Saturday 6th March 2010

International Women’s Day rose out of the labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.

It was later adopted by the UN and is now celebrated in many countries around the world. International Women's Day is when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.

Million Women Rise

Million Women Rise march meets 12 noon at Hyde Park, Speakers Corner end (nearest tube: Marble Arch). They march to celebrate the courage of women and girls and demand an end to male violence against women. For more information: www.millionwomenrise.com

In the UK:

• Nearly 1 in 4 women have experienced some form of sexual assault
• 2 - 3 women are murdered every week by their partner or ex-partner
• 1/3 of all teenage girl in a relationship suffer unwanted sexual acts and 1/4 physical violence

Internationally:

• Every year, 2 million girls between the ages 5 and 15 are trafficked into sex slavery
• 1 woman dies every minute form pregnancy related causes, most of which are preventable

Co-ordinated Government Strategy : Together we can end violence against women and girls

On 25th November, International Day to End Violence Against Women, the government launched an ambitious, co-ordinated strategy to end violence against women and girls. The strategy follows the largest ever consultation on this issue, including victims of violence and frontline experts, and draws on more detailed reviews in the health, education and criminal justice sectors.

The strategy has three main strands:

Excerpts from the strategy:

Prevention: Traditionally, government effort has been concentrated on providing support services once women have been victimised. This strategy outlines plans to campaign actively to challenge attitudes around violence; to promote healthy relationships by working with young people in schools and with adults; and to support training in the early identification of abuse.

Provision: Our ideal remains to prevent VAWG. However, when women and girls do suffer violence, we need to ensure they have access to the right help. Public authorities should consider whether they need to address VAWG as part of their approach to gender equality when drawing up their gender equality scheme and action plans.

Protection: Since 1997 significant progress has been made in improving the service provided to victims. More victims have been encouraged to report their crime to the police and more offenders are being brought to justice. New laws, new technology such as DNA testing, specialist training and a change in police and prosecution culture have made a real difference but are still not having the full impact that they could have.

Professor Liz Kelly (Chair of the End Violence Against Women coalition) has said in response:

"We are delighted that the government is launching an integrated strategy on all forms of violence against women, including rape, domestic violence, trafficking and forced marriage. We welcome the focus on stopping violence before it starts through education and public campaigns”.

To download the full strategy go to the Home Office website