UPDATED: December 07, 2024
Paris, France, November 26, 2024 — UNESCO is preparing to publish an extensive report that will critically examine the prevalence of gender-based violence within higher education institutions. This analysis aims to provide valuable insights and contribute to the ongoing efforts to address this critical issue.
The International Day for Eliminating Violence Against Women was observed globally on November 25, 2024.
Each year on November 25, the global community meets to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW). This day is dedicated to raising awareness regarding this critical issue and serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges women and girls face worldwide. Additionally, it provides a platform for advocating for systemic change and mobilizing action to address and eliminate violence against women.
According to the United Nations, violence impacts women from all cultures, economic backgrounds, and age groups. It takes various forms, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking. Each of these types of violence causes harm to individuals, families, and entire communities. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, often at the hands of an intimate partner.
The United Nations acknowledges that violence against women (VAW) is a violation of fundamental human rights and hinders social and economic development worldwide. To eliminate this issue, collective action is crucial, as emphasized by the observance of November 25. This day serves as a call for solidarity and coordinated efforts to end violence against women and girls, promoting a global movement towards a more just and equitable world for everyone.
The United Nations emphasizes that raising awareness is the first step in creating a world where everyone can live free from fear and harm. It is essential for individuals, communities, and institutions to comprehend the extent and impact of violence against women (VAW) and to actively challenge the social and cultural norms that support it.
According to UNESCO, higher education institutions (HEIs) are not exempt from incidents of violence against women (VAW). Such violence occurs within these environments, affecting students, staff, and faculty. It is crucial to comprehend the unique dynamics of VAW in HEIs to foster safer and more inclusive campuses for everyone.
Universities and academic institutions have a unique opportunity to raise awareness about violence against women (VAW), challenge harmful norms, and provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required for meaningful change. In addition to educating students and staff on VAW-related issues, higher education institutions can influence policy change by contributing necessary research. This, in turn, helps create a society where VAW is no longer tolerated.
UNESCO emphasizes the importance of involving higher education in addressing violence against women to create long-term, systemic solutions.
UNESCO will soon release a comprehensive report in support of ongoing efforts to combat violence against women (VAW). This report will examine the experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education institutions (HEIs) in selected countries. Its purpose is to provide a deeper understanding of the nature and scope of GBV within the unique context of higher education.
The survey results will highlight the specific challenges faced by the academic community and investigate the root causes of gender-based violence (GBV), the barriers to addressing it, and the existing frameworks designed to combat it.
The final report, scheduled for publication next year, will provide data-driven insights essential for:
- Policymakers.
- Higher education institutions (HEIs).
- Activists.
- Communities working to address GBV in educational settings.
In India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all higher education institutions to conduct an awareness campaign for eliminating gender-based violence from November 25 to December 10, 2024. Institutions must submit a brief report on the activities undertaken to the UGC’s Gender Sensitization Cell by December 13, 2024.
— UPDATE —
December 07, 2024 — In response to the directive issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), numerous universities throughout India have initiated campaigns to eradicate gender-based violence. Panjab University in Chandigarh has also undertaken an awareness campaign to address this issue. The Women’s Studies & Development Department Chairperson of Panjab University noted that the impetus for this campaign originated from the university’s leadership, including the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of University Instruction, and the Registrar. Their collective commitment to fostering a safe and equitable academic environment has been instrumental in mobilizing the university community to engage in this critical endeavor.
The UGC requires all universities to submit a detailed report of their activities to the Gender Sensitization Cell by December 13, 2024.
Sources: UNESCO; UGC, India
— The CitiTines Editor is a MAHEP (Member of the Association of Higher Education Professionals), an AAUA (American Association of University Administrators) Member, and a UNESCO-IIEP (UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning) certified Independent Appraiser of Government Education Plans.
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