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Written by Christina Margeti.
November 25.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. According to official statistics, thousands of women and girls worldwide lose their lives every year as a result of gender-based violence. Many others suffer psychological, digital, sexual, verbal, or economic abuse. Today, more than on any other day, I cannot stop thinking that all those who were lost could have been our friends, our sisters, our mothers, our colleagues, our neighbors, our relatives, our fellow students—our own people. Their loss is not merely a statistic…
Their memories must never be lost. As long as we remember them, as long as we speak of them, a flame remains alive. A flame that reminds us why we must never remain silent! It is imperative that we discover who we truly are, realize the immense power within us, and demonstrate solidarity on a global scale.
To all women experiencing violence or abuse of any kind, I want to say: you are not alone. Your experiences do not define who you are, nor your worth or your strength. Take care of yourselves and look out for one another. You are valuable and enough just as you are. Listen to your inner voice and act in a way that suits your situation and is safe for you. Some situations may require special, sensitive, and careful handling. Consult with professionals, ask for help, and above all, ensure your safety.
Let us stand alongside every woman—for all of us and for those who are no longer with us. Their memory becomes our strength and guides our actions, until the day finally comes when every woman, every female on the planet, lives freely, safely, and without fear.