From our homes to the streets, from schools to workplaces, from nightclubs to universities, women and people from the LGBTQI+ community are at risk of daily violence – in the form of verbal harassment, sexual and physical assault, and even murder. [...] Feminist activism is calling attention to how actions that are framed as ‘banter’, ‘jokes’, and in some cases ‘complimentary behaviour’, make women uncomfortable, uneasy and are in fact a form of sexual harassment and violence. [...] 6 Is no space safe? Working to end gender-based violence in the public sphere Mobilising for legal frameworks to change gender norms Successful activism in this area has led to the creation of key international instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Maputo Protocol, and the Convention of Belém do Pará. [...] Both the state and men themselves need to step up action, to support and amplify feminist movements’ and to take complementary measures. [...] Acting in solidarity and being an ally to end GBV means: • Creating spaces for men and boys to be self-reflective and change their own behaviour such as not commenting on women’s bodies or making sexist jokes • Calling out abusive behaviour and being active bystanders when witnessing GBV • Role-modelling to other men how to be honest and vulnerable about their experiences and emotions • Listening.
- Pages
- 16
- Published in
- United Kingdom
