MU takes part in Activism Against Gender Violence

Friday October 23rd 2015

The Mothers’ Union in Ireland is taking part in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, a global movement which speaks out against gender-based violence

The 16 days begin on November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Woman) and end on December 10 (Human Rights Day).

The MU is holding an All-Ireland Prayer Vigil in St Anne’s Cathedral on Saturday November 28 from 3pm to 6pm, praying for an end to violence against women and girls.

Throughout the world women and girls are subject to many different forms of violence including physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse. Violence affects women and girls from all backgrounds and happens across all stages of life. It is perpetrated by partners and family members as well as strangers.

One in three women globally will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime (World Health Organisation).
In 2012, one in two woman killed in a homicide was killed by a partner, former partner, or family member. One in 20 men was killed by a partner, former partner, or family member in this same year (UN Women).
5 million people worldwide are victims of forced sexual exploitation. 98 per cent of these are women (UN Women).

Each year, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence unites individuals and organisations to raise awareness of, and call for an end to, all forms of violence against women and girls. Mothers’ Union believes in particular that prevention needs to focus on teaching children and adults about loving and respectful relationships; that there are laws against all forms of violence and abuse and the means to enforce them; that those experiencing violence are supported, and that perpetrators are brought to justice and rehabilitated.

For further information on the Prayer Vigil in St Anne’s Cathedral, please contact Joyce Bond on 028 2586 1215 or visit www.mothersunion.org or www.mothersunion.ie to learn more about the 16 Days intiative.