Today, René Cassin begins the 16 Days of Activism on violence against women and girls.
With this year’s 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, co-drafted by our namesake Monsieur René Cassin, we are reminded that women’s rights are fundamental in the enjoyment of all human rights.
‘Where after all do human rights begin if not in small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the indivdiual personn; the neighbourhood [s]he lives in; the school or college [s]he attends; the factory, farm or office where [s]he works. Such as the places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination’.
Eleanor Roosevelt, 1958
Fundamental to human rights is the ability of all women and girls to live a life of dignity and respect, free from all forms of violence and discrimination. Instead, women and girls continue to be left out of policies, placed at risk of violence and harassment in their homes, workplace and public spaces.
The right of women and girls to enjoy a life free from violence and abuse is true in times of peace and of war; the right to be protected from sexual violence and from the consequences of fighting and killing.
This year, we at René Cassin focus on strengthening the influences of women affected by violence with the hope of creating safe spaces for women where their voices are heard and their bodies protected. We will continue to remind individuals, society and the government that women’s and girl’s rights are human rights!
#StrengtheningWomensVoices #16DaysOfActivism
