Every few years, we find ourselves facing pivotal moments that call for significant changes in society. As we step into 2024, the call to action for investments to eliminate violence against women and girls becomes stronger than ever. Have you ever considered how many women and girls live in dread simply for being themselves? It is a painful fact that we cannot ignore, and concerted action now may pave the road for a better tomorrow.

What do we mean by violence against women and girls? Often when we discuss cases of violence against women and girls, we do not consider only the cases of physical abuse. It comprises emotional and psychological abuse as well, troubling millions of people across the globe. The statistics are alarming: one in three women worldwide becomes a victim of physical or sexual violence. This is an issue of current prevalence, and these are the numbers that require immediate and collaborative response.

Globally, violence against women is different, shaped by traditions, culture, and politics that perpetuate abuse of women. In many places the women are considered to be second-class citizens and abuse in general is considered as a norm. For lasting change, the strategies of these dynamics have to be deciphered, and the cultural norms that sustain such patterns have to be disrupted.

To transform the system, raising awareness is the first but significant process in the process. How many of us have a clear grasp of how extensive this problem is? Using education and media, we aim to expose the world to the everyday life that so many have to go through. Educating people to be aware can lead to action thus calling policies that will advocate for women.

When we also look at a ‘call for investments’ it does not sound so civic but it implies more than calls for simple dollars. It entails an investment to develop protective environments and protective factors. Think of it this way: we want to build other shelters, support educating sessions, and counseling that can be helpful with necessary funds.

It should however be noted that the fight against violence against women and girls is partly the responsibility of governments. They are allowed to make decisions which may alter the lives of people. For example, nations that have committed themselves to ending gender based violence and supported these statements with money are experiencing changes. Such sorts of interventions should be encouraged in every society.

Non-governmental organizations (NGO) are action-oriented, day-in and day-out participants in the process of galvanizing change and offering services. It engages communities with knowledge and assistance fundamental to majority-driven struggles. Some of the stories that they have shared for successes about change are inspiring, demonstrating that change is possible in the world if people come together to achieve one goal.

In order to effectively prevent violence against women, people need to be involved. It is about building a mass movement at the community level to fashion change from the bottom up. People united can change something, and can make others also use their efforts to make the world a better, peaceful and equal place.

As we look towards 2024, the call for investments to end violence against women and girls is clear. Together, we can take the leap from awareness to action. Let’s create a landscape where empathy meets initiative, and our collective voices push for change. The time is now, and the potential for a brighter future rests in our hands.