This blog was written by Chris Sagona of the LWV UN Observers

Content warning: Discussion of human trafficking.

"Violence against women is a devastating human rights violation visited upon one in every three women,” UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis stated on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. “There is #NoExcuse. Everyone, everywhere, has a responsibility to repudiate this abuse, and to commit to working to prevent it."

What action can you taketo end violence against women and girls? You can participate in the UN’s #16DaysofActivism against gender-based violence. It's an online, global campaign launched in 1991; this year's theme is "UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.”

The UN holds violence against women and girls to be the most pervasive human rights violation worldwide. For example, one in three women and girls will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, according to UN Women.

So for the next next two and a half weeks, let’s learn more about eliminating and preventing violence against women and girls, and the vital role women’s organizations play. Further, let's share that info using the hashtags #16DaysofActivism and #NoExcuse.

We look forward to seeing you online today and for the next several weeks!

Let’s get the conversation started!