Violence against women generally makes the headlines only when it involves a celebrity or is so severe that it shocks our conscience. But we will never end violence against women by focusing only on its most egregious or sensational examples. We will end violence against women when we have the courage to be outraged by all forms of violence, including the violence that occurs in the cracks and crevices of our own communities and in the privacy and comfort of our own homes.
For over 18 years, Vital Voices has worked with women leaders pushing for change — for a world free from domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and harmful traditional practices. But women leaders cannot and should not shoulder this burden alone. To truly end all forms of violence against women, we need men — community, business, religious and government leaders — to stand with women leaders to collectively demand an end to the practice and acceptance of violence.
Vital Voices creates partnerships between these men and women who are making a difference in their communities. At our Voices of Solidarity event on December 7, we honored five men who show exemplary leadership in supporting these efforts to combat gender-based violence.
Meet this year’s honorees:
1/ Gary Barker
“As men working for gender equality, we don’t need special recognition… You don’t deserve extra credit for what you should be doing anyway.”
By creating opportunities for men to transform harmful gender norms and unequal power dynamics, Gary addresses gender-based violence at its roots. Through his work with Promundo, the MenEngage Alliance and MenCare, Gary enlists men and boys to be part of the solution for ending violence and the attitudes that fuel it.
2/ Tom Wilson
“All of us must stand up for victims of domestic violence. Let’s take away perpetrators’ weapons of choice: silence and financial bondage.”
Tom, chairman and CEO of The Allstate Corporation, guides the company’s foundation, the only national corporate foundation focused on ending domestic violence through financial empowerment. Tom is a true trailblazer and encourages other CEOs to join him in recognizing the impact of domestic violence.
3/ John Prendergast
“Sexual violence is the cheapest and most cost effective weapon in the history of warfare.”
John is a pioneer, known for his role in creating the Enough Project and raising the alarm on the genocide in Darfur. He is recognized for his lifelong commitment to preventing conflict on the African continent, and for his leading voice in ending sexual violence as a weapon of war.
4/ Sadou Lemankréo
“If the sacrifice of my life could put an end to injustice of men, women and children of this world, I will endeavor to do it.”
Sadou, a commissioner of police in northern Cameroon, works in a region where human trafficking is rampant and 55 percent of women suffer domestic abuse. He leads investigations, raids and rescue operations to bring an end to the modern day slave trade and prevent the exploitation of displaced women and children. That Sadou was denied permission to travel to the U.S. to accept his award underscores the need for governments to make peace and security, especially for women and girls, a national priority.
5/ Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein
"It is being human, and that alone, that gives women the right to freedom from violence."
Zeid leads the United Nations in its efforts to promote and protect universal rights and freedoms as the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In a lifetime of diplomatic service, Zeid has consistently worked for gender equality and justice. He believes there is a pressing need for women’s full inclusion in all aspects of human rights work, and has initiated a push for gender parity across UN agencies.
This year’s Voices of Solidarity honorees give me hope. We’ll never end violence against women and girls without engaging men and boys as active partners. We need to stand together to create a safer world for our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.
You can get involved. Along with the Global Citizen community, we believe we can create change by taking action:
1.) Get engaged. Call on world leaders to make ending violence against women a global priority.
2.) Do your part in ending gender-based violence. Use your influence to encourage others to be nonviolent. Take the pledge:
I pledge to take an active role in ending violence against women and girls in my community, my work, my school and my home. I will use my influence to encourage others to be nonviolent and my voice to stop violence when I suspect it. I pledge to create a safer world for our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.
3.) Tell the world about your action. Tweet and encourage others to do the same.
This op-ed was written by Cindy Dyer, Vital Voices Vice President, Human Rights in support of Vital Voices.
To lend your voice and help end gender-based violence you can go to TAKE ACTION NOW and ask policy makers, government and business leaders to make ending violence against women and girls a priority.