Let Us Stop Violence Against Women!
For decades and through generations, societies around the world have suffered from domestic violence, especially against women, whether they are wives, mothers or daughters. Despite all official and voluntary efforts that NGOs are doing, violence is still a worldwide social and humanitarian problem.
Till today, the United Nations considers violence against women, one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations. Hence, UN designated in its international calendar an International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on November 25 of each year.
From this context, the Service and Relief Department - Diakonia, Beirut office, at the Middle East Council of Churches, and in partnership with the international organization Norwegian Church Aid - NCA, organized gender-based violence awareness sessions for 9 groups of 10 women each.
During the sessions, women learned about the types of violence that may affect their lives, especially since the physical, sexual or psychological impacts can negatively influence their health, activity and productivity in society.
As a result of an education that enhance submission to men’s authority, many women consider that men, husbands, fathers, or brothers... have more rights to power. However, this is just a type of violence that can be verbal, psychological, and even on the health and physical levels. Its repercussions may be immediate or on long-term, leading in several cases to depression, alcoholism and even death...
The sessions also shed light on the women's social and legal rights ... and contributed to educating participants on ways to face violence and what to do if help needed from the specialized parties.
The sessions were implemented with the trainer Dr. Samir Chleweet who accompanied the participants, at Our Lady Dispensary, affiliated to MECC and located in Sabtiyeh – Lebanon.
Thus, the biggest problem in the process of stopping violence remains the silence of victims due to fear or stigma, because impunity still rules in most countries and women are vulnerable in many societies. Therefore, efforts should be intensified in order to end this crime against the women of earth and the teachings of heaven. On this international day one word should be said: Enough!
