Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It’s also the start of #16days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Let’s be clear – violence against girls and women happens every day, in every country. Girls are part of our society and the future of our communities. They deserve to grow up safe, strong and heard.
Here are four things we must act on:
1. Protect girls from violence.
FACT: 1 in 3 women will be beaten or raped in her lifetime. That includes girls. Sexual violence against girls can take many forms – sexual abuse, exploitation, rape, incest. And it happens everywhere. At home, in school, on the streets, within communities, even online. Worse, most of the time, these crimes go unreported. And unpunished.
We must speak up. We must protect every girl’s right to feel safe.
2. Stop child pregnancies
Did you know, 18,000 girls get pregnant each year in Malaysia? Many get blamed and shamed.
But have we ever asked ourselves how we failed our girls?
Did we give them the tools to make informed choices?
Did we teach boys and men to respect girls and women?
We need to stop blaming girls and start investing in them.
A child should never be a mother.
3. Prevent HIV infection
Gender discrimination makes teen girls more likely to get HIV. They often don’t know hte risk. Many are tricked or forced into sex by older partners.
This is not OK. We must equip girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to protect their health and rights. That’s how we end the cycle of violence against girls.
4. End child marriage
A UNICEF report revealed nearly 9,000 girls in Malaysia of various faiths were married before they turned 18 between 2005 and 2015. That’s 9,000 futures cut short. Child marriage puts girls at high risk of abuse. It takes away their right to learn, dream, and grow.
This #16Days, take a stand. Say no to child marriage. Say yes to girls’ futures.
Now that you know the facts, don’t stay quiet. Speak up against violence against girls and women, every time, everywhere.
Protecting girls’ rights is more than a cause. It’s a path to gender equality. When girls are educated, healthy and safe, everyone benefits – families, communities, even entire nations.
What’s good for girls is good for Malaysia.
