Ria Beri ‘27
EE Co-Managing Editor
Today, November 25, we come together to confront an urgent global crisis: violence against women. This is not just a statistic; it is a painful reality faced by millions every day. On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we do not merely raise awareness, we demand action.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This is more than a number, it is the lived experience of women everywhere. Whether physical, emotional, or sexual, abuse against women is an epidemic that requires our attention, support, and voices.
Violence against women is often hidden, happening behind closed doors – at home, at school, in relationships, and online. It is not always visible. It does not always make the headlines. And sometimes, it is easy to overlook. But silence is complicity. When we turn a blind eye to abuse, we allow it to persist.
As Reema Zaman, an advocate and survivor, writes, “the abuse began the moment I stopped listening to myself”. This powerful truth reveals a lesser-known form of violence: emotional and psychological abuse.
Abuse does not always show up in bruises or broken bones. It can start with the erosion of a woman’s sense of self, her humanity. When someone is constantly belittled, manipulated, or controlled, they begin to doubt their own perceptions and feelings. Over time, the abuser’s narrative replaces the survivor’s own, and the woman loses trust in herself. In this way, abuse wears down her very sense of worth and dignity, and it becomes harder for her to recognize her own value in the world.
Abuse can strip away a woman’s autonomy and her ability to make choices for herself. It can make her feel invisible, unworthy, and disconnected from the world around her. The emotional scars often run deeper than the physical ones, as the damage done to the soul and spirit is not as easily seen, but it is just as real. This is why the fight against violence is not just about stopping physical harm, but about restoring a woman’s sense of self, her humanity, and her right to live with dignity.
This day is not just about reflecting on the statistics, it is a call to action. It is a reminder that each of us has a role to play in ending this abuse by speaking out, supporting survivors, and challenging the status quo. It is about standing up for what is right, even when it is uncomfortable.
It may seem distant or impossible to change, but this violence is happening right here, in our own school and our own neighborhoods. You might not see the signs, but they are there. It is affecting friends, classmates, and family members – people we care about.
So, what can we do? First and foremost, we listen. If someone confides in you, believe them. Offer your support and help them access resources. If you witness something that does not feel right, stand up. Whether you speak out, help someone in need, or simply show you care, every action makes a difference. You do not have to be a hero, you just have to act.
The fight to eliminate violence against women is not just a global issue, it is personal. It is about our friends, our peers, our families. Today, reflect on how you can make a difference. Whether you start a conversation, volunteer with local organizations, or simply stand up for someone in need, your actions matter.
We cannot wait for others to act. Change starts with us. Together, we can create a world where every woman lives without fear, free from abuse, and with the dignity she deserves. The fight to eliminate violence against women begins with each of us, and it begins today.
Feature Photo Courtesy: The Pacific Community
Wonderful…great article Ria berri