Why today has taken a whole new meaning

November 25th has taken a new meaning for me. Here is why!

Covid-19 pandemic has compounded violence against women. Recent data collected from 13 countries indicated that 2 in 3 women reported experiencing some form of violence and were more likely to face insecurity. Only 1 in 10 women said that victims would go to the police for help (UN Women). 

More than 7 years on, I feel honored to still be pursuing my passions and activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) during leisure (blogging) and careerwise (development and research field). I find deep fulfillment in designing, implementing, and managing SGBV, mental health, and social inclusion projects under several international development projects. 

Joyce Ojokojo, Psychologist|Researcher 

Currently, I am coordinating a pilot health project about partner violence within the international environment factoring in the Codvid-19 pandemic, particularly targeting women with or without minority backgrounds in Norway. The project's main goal is to raise awareness and support for women exposed to partner violence. This intervention is based on the results from an exploratory study I conducted at the start of the pandemic around march 2020 (Titled: "Not Real Rape? Predictors of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence and Attitudes towards the me-too movements in Nigeria and Norway"). 

Therefore, this year's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women has taken a whole new meaning because of the opportunities to be at the epicenter of a cross-cultural project aimed at raising community/policy maker's awareness and support in addressing challenges faced by women exposed violence. To directly contribute to social change. That is a priceless feeling and at the same a privilege that I relish!

So what are you waiting for? Join the 16 days of activism (Nov 25- Dec 10), which aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world.  An initiative led by the UN Secretary-General and UN Women since 2008. 

Orange color has been chosen to raise awareness for this year:

 2021 Theme: Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!  

Why orange color? Orange represents a brighter future free of violence against women and girls. Be part of the orange movement!

Don't you want to be part of the orange movement? How do you plan to answer this year's call to global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy, and create opportunities for discussion on challenges? 

#InternationalDayForTheEliminationOfViolenceAgainstWomen