Globally, 1 in 5 women have been abused during their childhood (up to 1 in 3 in some countries) and 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (up to 2 in 3 in some countries), predominantly by their intimate partner (UN Women and WHO). Beyond feminicide and rape, violence against women and girls (VAWG) consists also of harassment and bullying, online and offline, at school, at the workplace and in the street, of glass cliffs and glass ceilings, of inadequate safety equipment where their lives are at stake, and of constant and blatant discrimination everywhere on the planet, despite all our efforts to this day. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this phenomenon: only days after the lockdown measures, domestic violence increased up to 40% in certain countries. In order to be effective in tackling and eradicating VAWG, we must develop measures that will bring about a lasting change in mentalities – and VAWG should, in fact, primarily concern men. If societies got rid of what Promundo calls the “Man Box”, also defined as a set of restrictive, harmful ideas about what it means to be a man, we could reduce sexual violence by at least 69% and bullying and violence by 40% every year (Promundo). On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, UNESCO is offering a space to nurture ideas and give visibility to solutions that work to eradicate VAWG at the 2030 horizon with a high-level roundtable and a Master Class for youth. Kindly find attached the concept note of the day. HIGH-LEVEL ROUNDTABLE“Transforming mentalities: Engaging men and boysto address the root causes of violence against women”from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm (CET) on ZoomInterpretation: English, French, Spanish For whom?This roundtable targets decision makers at all governance levels, including UN Senior officials, Government representatives, community leaders and civil society organizations. Why?It will provide an opportunity to learn from inspiring global leaders and activists what it takes to eradicate violent mentalities, how to engage and educate men to reject all forms of gender-based violence, and how to translate this commitment into actions that can make a lasting difference. How? Click here to register and join the online high-level roundtable. Password: 820451 Please contact SHS.inclusion-rights@unesco.org<mailto:SHS.inclusion-rights@unesco.org> and gender.equality@unesco.org<mailto:gender.equality@unesco.org> should you have any question. MASTER CLASS“Youth against gender-based violence”from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm (CET) on ZoomInterpretation: English, French For whom?This Master Class targets secondary education students (14-18 years old) and their teachers, but observers are welcome. Why? * To empower young people, including young men and boys alongside young women and girls, through this peer-learning forum by building their understanding and capacity to combat VAWG; * To draw attention and visibility to, and understand how and why harmful gender norms and VAWG are being spread in all their forms online and offline, in the media, in public space and all spheres of life; * To engage youth to become proactive agents of change and trainers within their own schools, families and communities for a sustainable impact; * To inspire policymakers, at the global, national and local levels, and community leaders and teachers to pursue collective efforts in the fight against VAWG. How? Click here to join the Master Class against gender-based violence. Password: 401973 To register, kindly contact l.bensoussan@unesco.org<mailto:l.bensoussan@unesco.org> and s.garance@unesco.org<mailto:s.garance@unesco.org> and indicate which school or institution you are affiliated with. More information on UNESCO’s Master Classes here More information on this International Day here
