November 25, 2020
Ms. Foundation on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Ms. Foundation on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
NEW YORK (November 25, 2020) – Ms. Foundation for Women President and CEO Teresa C. Younger released the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:
“Today, the Ms. Foundation for Women recognizes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, dedicated to the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence globally.
“While gender-based violence against women and girls is nothing new, the World Health Organization estimates that one-third of women and girls worldwide experience violence at some point in their lives. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are being told to stay at home to stop the spread of the virus, however, for some, home is not the safe haven it should be. Many women and girls are stuck inside with their abusers, isolated from other family, friends, and resources, and unable to distance themselves from their violent environments.
“While gender-based violence plagues everyone, the National Institute of Health reports that violence disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Women and girls of color, LGBTQ+ folks, and transgender women of color, in particular, are more likely to be in dangerous situations with their offenders than other populations. It’s unfortunately fitting that this day falls just a few days after Transgender Day of Remembrance, which reminded us that 2020 has been the deadliest year on record in the United States, with 37 trans people murdered.
“We must make more resources available for women and girls to access safety and justice. The Ms. Foundation and our grantee-partners, many of whom are working to protect women and girls from violence themselves, are committed to the elimination of violence to build toward a more equitable society.”
Ms. Foundation spokespeople are available for interviews by phone or video from NYC. To schedule, please contact Sunshine Sachs at [email protected].
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For over 45 years, the Ms. Foundation for Women has worked to build women’s collective power in the U.S. to advance equity and justice for all. The Ms. Foundation invests in and strengthens the capacity of women-led movements to advance meaningful social, cultural, and economic change in women’s lives. With equity and inclusion as the cornerstones of true democracy, the Ms. Foundation works to create a world where every person’s worth and dignity are valued, and power and possibility are not limited by gender, race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or age.