Violence against women and girls in all their diversity is an issue that we usually see in the literature, as a genuine reflection of our societies. In fact, Shakespeare's Othello or Ibsen's A Doll's House are some of the masterpieces where we find situations of abuse and femicide.

This event will gather all the women Permanent Representatives to the UN to share short excerpts of literature from their countries that relate to gender-based violence. In this sense, the main objective of the event is to raise awareness of this scourge and at the same time recognize the powerful role of art and literature in the fight against violence.  A simple book that addresses gender based violence is able to alert people about a situation and can prevent a woman from being a victim and survivor of violence.

Background

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Women's rights activists have observed 25 November as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. On 20 December 1993, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women through resolution 48/104, paving the path towards eradicating violence against women and girls worldwide.

On 7 February 2000, the General Assembly adopted resolution 54/134, officially designating 25 November as the International day for the Elimination of Violence against women and in doing so, invited governments, international organizations as well as NGOs to join together and organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the issue every year on that date.

Agenda

• Opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Squeff, Permanent Representative of Argentina, and H.E Olof Skoog, Permanent Representative of the EU Delegation
• Sarah Hendrickx, Director Programme, Policy Director, UN Women (TBC)
• PRs take the floor (3 minutes each): read a short excerpt of literature and explain rationale for choosing the piece.
• Final remarks by UN Women / Amb. Skoog.