After reading through, go to www.showyourselfie.org to upload your visual petition for youth and take a stand against violence with your upsidedownfie - an upside down selfie!
Over the next 10 months, the #showyourselife campaign will be placing the spotlight on the6 biggest issuesaffecting the world’s youth ahead of the largest selfie handover to world leaders at the United Nations in September 2015.
As today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we’re asking YOU to lend your voice to the movement. Share your selfie -- your UpsideDownfie -- to turn violence against women and girls on it’s head!
Violence and harmful practices are one of the most pressing human rights issues that young people face. Violence and sexual assault are daily threats for young people, and the risk is even greater in crisis-affected states. Imagine being afraid to use the bathroom, walk to school or feel unsafe at home because you were too frightened of being physically or sexually attacked.
November 25th was chosen as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by the United Nations to mark the brutal assassination ofthree young sistersin 1960 in the Dominican Republic. Today is also the dayto galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
Right now, there are many violent practices taking place around the world that impede the progress of boys, girls, and young women. Some of these practices include:
And these aren’t rare instances; these are regular, everyday practices! Did you know:
- One in three women globally will be beaten, raped, or otherwise abused during her lifetime.
- 140 million girls and women in the world have suffered female genital mutilation.
- Every day, 39,000 girls become child brides—or about 140 million in a decade.
- 4.5 million people are victims of forced sexual exploitation. 98% of them are women and girls.
We believe these practices need to be put to rest.
Over the next few weeks we will be sharing the stories of young people at-risk or facing violence and their fight to overcome it. You too can take a stand.
Upload your UpsideDownfie towww.showyourselfie.org and tell world leaders why you want to turn violence against women on it’s head.
Your voice is a powerful tool that can be used to fight violence and change the world we live in. Use it to make an impact today!
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Leticia Pfeffer