Introduction

Protests have erupted globally in response to the ongoing violence against women, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, 2024. This year’s demonstrations have been particularly significant, drawing attention to alarming statistics and recent high-profile cases that highlight the urgent need for action.

Key Highlights from the Protests

Global Participation:

Demonstrations took place in multiple countries, including France, Italy, the UK, Australia, and Türkiye, with thousands of participants. In France alone, approximately 80,000 people marched in Paris, while Italy saw around 150,000 demonstrators in Rome advocating for an end to gender-based violence.

Focus on High-Profile Cases:

The protests were notably influenced by the ongoing trial of Dominique Pélicot and others accused of drugging and raping Gisele Pélicot over nearly a decade. This case has galvanized public outrage and brought attention to the broader issue of sexual violence against women.

Calls for Policy Changes:

Activists are demanding stronger public policies to protect women and vulnerable groups. In France, the feminist collective Nous Toutes is advocating for a sustainable budget of at least 2.6 billion euros to combat gender-based violence effectively.

Rising Awareness of Femicide:

A recent UN report highlighted that approximately 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed in 2023, with intimate partners or family members responsible for about 60% of these homicides. This statistic underscores the pervasive nature of domestic violence and femicide globally.

Specific Issues Raised:

In Türkiye, protests faced police intervention and arrests as activists highlighted rising femicides and demanded better enforcement of existing laws designed to protect women. The protests emphasized that many victims had previously reported violence but received inadequate protection from authorities.

Conclusion

The global protests reflect a growing awareness and demand for action against violence toward women. Activists are not only calling for immediate responses to specific incidents but also advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of gender-based violence. The ongoing demonstrations serve as a powerful reminder of the collective effort needed to combat this pervasive issue effectively.