We already announced it seven days ago: today is the International Girl's Day, and the end of violence of all kinds against girls is claimed. Obviously, UNICEF's global #ENDViolence campaign seeks to “make the invisible visible,” and this is done with children in mind, they need to be especially protected.
They must be protected, but not only from violence, but from a collective mentality (also in developed countries) that tolerates, perpetuates and justifies violence. The alarms must jump, because we want it or not, the responsibility for ending violence against girls belongs to everyone, according to UNICEF Deputy Director (Geeta Rao Gupta).
What would you think if I tell you that every 10 minutes a teenager dies as a result of violence?
Well in addition to that figure, you should know that almost a quarter of girls aged 15 to 19 from around the world (about 70 million) have indicated having been victims of some form of physical violence since age 15.
Make the invisible visible
The first measure to modify attitudes, behaviors and policies is to raise awareness, for this, disseminating information is more than necessary. Although the truth is that many people who live in the so-called "First World" are shocked at a - fake - wedding news between a girl of 12 years and a man of 37 (Norwegian both); and they don't know that more than 700 million women alive today they were married before the age of 18 (of them one in three began the union before the age of 15).
Now I can give you an example of something that I have commented a little above ... the collective mentality that perpetuates itself. Imagine if it influences the attitudes of minors, which seven out of 10 girls aged 15 to 19 who have been victims of physical and sexual abuse never asked for help, for not considering it a problem. And above that is the overwhelming figure of 120 million women and girls under 20 years old (one in 10) who have been victims of forced sexual relations (or other acts).
Around the world, about half of girls aged 15 to 19 believe that it is justified for a man to beat his wife or partner under certain circumstances, such as if he refuses to have sex, if he leaves the house without permission, if he argues, if he neglects children or burns dinner
Measures against violence
UNICEF has indicated that there are specific measures to prevent violence against girls. These include: mkeep girls in school; provide them with fundamental life skills; support their parents, even with cash transfers that mitigate the risks to girls.
Attitudes and norms must also be changed through community conversations; and the judicial, criminal and social systems and services.
Today on the End Violence page, we find a special mention to International Girls Day.
