By Mireille Jaillet
A woman is killed every ten minutes, Shame!
This is a reality of this world, who is to blame?
Violence against women and girls is on the rise worldwide
So many are left unheard, forced into silence, forced to hide.
November 25 – A day chosen to observe and remember
Three Mirabal sisters slain by their leader.
Like for so many, there were no protections.
No protections for girls forced into genital mutilations.
Or even for those who suffer from abusive intimate partners.
As if she has no worth, as if nothing she does ever matters.
Sexual harassment & violence is a problem everywhere.
As is Human Trafficking, it’s a damn nightmare.
What can we say about all this abuse.
There is simply no acceptable Excuse
What can we do to fight this violence against women and girls?
We can increase their access to education around the world.
We can donate funds, provide these women with access to money
Allowing them to move forth with their freeing journey.
Including them in decision-making, offering them a seat at the table
Engaging allies to support them and remove obstacles
We need to speak out, reach out, get involved and do what we must
And together we can empower a world to be far more just.
Mireille Jaillet is the UNE National Equity Representative for Women.