violence against women

despite the lofty ideal, prejudice and discrimination continue to plague mankind. This sad fact reflects not only our times but also the imperfections of humans. Nevertheless the situation is far from hopeless. Granted we may be unable to eliminate the discrimination we see around us, but we can work to root out prejudices that may lodge within ourselves. Nov 25th is the International day for the elimination of violence against women. This day was recognized by the general assembly of UNITED NATIONS in 1999 with a veiw to raising public awareness of violations of rights of women. Gender based violence in all its form is an ongoing problem which is invisible in society and a shameful fact of life. According to the ex-UN secretary general Kofi Annan," violence against women is global in reach and takes place in all societies and culture. It affects women no matter what their race, ethnicity, social origin, birth or other status may be." The council of Europe estimates that 1 in 4, suffer some form of domestic violence during her lifetime. According to the British home office, in England and Wales in one recent year, an average of two women each week were killed by current or former partners. The magazine INDIA TODAY INTERNATIONAL reported that"for women across India fear is constant companion and rape is the stranger they may have to confront at every corner, on any road, in any public place, at any hour." Amnesty international describes violence against women and girls as today's 'MOST PERVASIVE HUMAN RIGHTS CHALLENGE."