“It is not just silence in the media and in public that allows violence to thrive. What is most dangerous is the silence that exists in homes and communities when we don’t take action. Silence is reinforced when no one is held accountable. Silence, when organizations and institutions don’t take action. And it is when activists around the world are silenced with threats or killed because they dared speak the truth.”
These were the were the words of a young Papua New Guinean woman who stood in the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, among Human Rights Activists from across the world, and delivered the Call to Action for the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The event was held on the 23rd of November to launch the 16 Days of Activism, under the global theme of the UNiTE campaign: “UNiTE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls”.
Ms. Bronwyn Kili, the Young Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Office in PNG, has been instrumental in delivering important programmes for young people and was privileged to give the final call to action on this global stage.
Ms. Kili expressed that it was an honor to give the Call to Action amongst activists who work in countries where it can be dangerous to be a feminist and activist. “It was an honor to stand in support with my sisters from Tunisia, Iran, Argentina, Kenya and Afghanistan who are calling for support to the plight in their regions,” she said.
Ms. Kili also made an overall call to support activists and grassroots and women's rights organisations around the globe working on the frontline to address violence against women and girls.
“Funding and resourcing these groups and movements, supporting the implementation of laws and accountability mechanisms, and protection for activists around the world, especially those who are at risk because of the pushback on activism against violence and women's rights, are important factors when it comes to eliminating violence towards our women.”
Ms. Kili shared how it was important to give the human perspective to the Call to Action by making it about real people and real lives.
“There is so much data and reports about what goes on in the world when it comes to violence towards women, but it was a humbling feeling, reminding everyone that behind these statistics are people and faces who live through this.”
Ms. Kili ended by reminding everyone that the Call to Action was a global call and that ending violence against women and girls will take a global effort.
“In the face of this resistance, we must remain bold and courageous.”
