Nele Blachmann is a german volunteer involved in the world AIDS day

​Since 1999, we have marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November. Priorly, in 1993 the General Assembly adopted Resolution 48/104. The resolution defines violence against women as: “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”. This international day also marks the first day of the 16 Days of Activism against.
The International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women marks and remains such an important day. It is a devastating truth that violence against women and girls is one of the most persistent and common human rights violations. Acts of violence are committed against women and girls everywhere. UNWOMEN brought 18 November 2022 an article and it said as follows: “more than 1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence during their lifetime”. There is definitely a structural problem behind these devastating statistics, since so many women experience or will violence throughout their lifetime. It also shows that there is a lot to fight for still in the fight of eliminating violence against women.
Violence against women and girls comes in many forms and has many consequences for those who experience it. About violence against women and girls UNWOMEN says: “It has serious short- and long-term physical, economic and psychological consequences on women and girls, preventing their full and equal participation in society.“ This quote clarifies that violence comes in different types. Physical violence is the most visible form of violence. It involves causing physical harm to someone by kicking, hitting, grabbing them and more. 
Then there is also sexual violence which includes sexual harasment and sexual assault. Sexual violence involves any sexual activity or act that is non-conesenual and committed against the person’s will. There is also psychological and emotional violence. Examples of psychological violence are threats, causing fear, intimidation and isolation. Examples of emotional violence are verbal abuse, destroying someone's self worth, name calling. These types are less visible but nevertheless also dangerous and harmful and should be taken deeply seriously. These types of violence can be present in domestic abusive relationships where it is your partner who commits the violence towards you, to maintain control over you. Domestic violence is also the most common type of violence that women experience. UNWOMEN refers to a study that found that: “In 2021, around 45,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members. This means that, on average, more than five women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family.”
The fight for elimination of violence against women is essential for a more sustainable world. This international day is also closely related to the sustainable development goals by the UN. Regarding this international day and what it stands for, it is relevant to allude to the 5th goal of “Gender Equality”. Violence against women is a barrier for gender equality. Gender-based violence against women causes bad mental and reproductive health, harmful power dynamics and in general worsens the standard of living. Ultimately, it becomes a barrier for gender equality and women’s equal participation in society. Therefore, it is important to prioritize and keep fighting for the elimination of violence against women.
When fighting for the elimination of violence against women, it is essential to acknowledge that women and girls are different and are treated differently in society. Factors like class, ethnicity, race, disability, sexuality and in connection with gender, make women’s and girls’ position in society completely different. This theory and approach, that gender is intersected with other social categories and make up unique experiences, is called intersectionality. Unfortunately, we see that women and girls who are also refugees, migrants, disabled or LGBTQ+  are more vulnerable to gender-based violence. It is important to have an intersectional approach when fighting against gender-based violence, so we do not overlook less privileged women and girls.

So what can we do to eliminate violence against women? There is a lot we can do and on different levels in society, both as individuals, groups and societies. UNWOMEN states: “Evidence shows that the single most important driver of policy change is a strong and autonomous women’s movement - making feminist mobilization in the face of anti-rights backlash a literal matter of life and death.” Movements generate change. They send a clear signal to the people in charge that change is needed and demanded. Hence, movements can act as a catalyst for the implementation of new laws that protect women better against violence. Demonstrations and the implementation of laws are more direct ways for generating change. Subsequently, it is also important to break down more indirect structures when fighting for the elimination of violence against women. There is a need for change in how violence against women is talked about. It’s discourse. Specifically, there is a really harmful discourse around victim blaming women. This discourse indicates that women are “responsible” for the violence that is committed upon them. A really harming discourse there is, is by asking: what did you where? it is your own fault because you were so drunk? why didn't you say no? To women who are victims of sexual assault or harassment. UNWOMEN refers to a study that found that: “Less than 40 per cent of the women who experience violence seek help of any sort.” The fear of victim blaming is harmful for the woman or girl in many ways and can it make impossible to stand up and demand justice if they feel like they are blamed and not being taken seriously.
In general it is important to acknowledge that there is a problem. We have improved in many ways over the years. In many ways women have better conditions and opportunities than before. However, it is a harmful barrier for change if we think that we are at the best we can get. Because that would be far from the truth. There is still a lot to fight for.

Sources: 

• https://www.unesco.org/en/days/elimination-violence-against-women 

• https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N94/095/05/PDF/N9409505.pdf?OpenElement 

• https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day 
• https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/in-focus/2022/11/in-focus-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence 
• https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/types-of-violence 
• https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures 
• https://eca.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/women-and-the-sdgs/sdg-5-gender-equality-0 
• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amy-Mazur/publication/288623012_Women's_movements_feminism_and_feminist_movements/links/5799dbfa08ae33e89fb79d6b/Womens-movements-feminism-and-feminist-movements.pdf#page=207 (p. 193-204) 
  

Mille Elbæk Fig is a Danish volunteer involved in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Palestinian people have been fighting for more years than our younger generation can remember, fighting for rights that international organizations such as the United Nations have deemed essential, but were taken away without their consent. These are rights that all countries have recognized in a document called the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - basic needs to live as human beings, just like anyone else.
According to most experts, a nation is defined as a territory with similar traditions, language, culture, and literature, where people have been living in the same locations for centuries. Given these criteria, can we consider Palestine as a country?
 
 
Palestinian Culture and Traditions:
The Palestinian people have their own language, a dialect of Arabic. They also have rich traditions, such as the traditional dress called TARTREEZ, which carries social and cultural meaning in its intricate threads and colorful patterns. The colors of the dress can indicate the region the girl is from, adding to the significance of this attire.
Tatreez is a centuries-old, iconic craft of Palestinian heritage. Each region has its own unique embroidery motifs, colors, and patterns.
Palestinians also have a variety of traditional meals like musakhan, maqlubah, ma7ashi, or knafeh. These dishes represent the culinary heritage of the Palestinian people.
In the main land of Palestine, researchers have discovered some of the oldest olive trees, some dating back almost 5,000 years. Olive oil production is deeply rooted in the region's heritage.
 
Cultural Expressions:
Dabke is a traditional Levantine folk dance deeply ingrained in Palestinian culture. It symbolizes belonging, rootedness, and unity. The name "Dabke" translates to "stamping of the feet." Originally, it was performed during communal tasks like farming and working the land. Today, the dance has become a global phenomenon, embraced at Palestinian weddings, family gatherings, and ceremonies. It has even spread to other countries, such as Egypt.
 
The Symbolism of Keffiyeh:
Keffiyeh is not just a fashion statement; it carries deep historical significance for the Palestinian people and their struggle for identity. It has also become an international icon of solidarity, representing the motto "We are one with the people of Palestine." Both the youth and the elderly proudly wear the Keffiyeh, which holds significance in national celebrations, songs, and weddings.
 
Palestinian authors:
 
Among all the Palestinian authors who have made a significant impact throughout history, here are a few examples:
Mahmoud Darwish: Mahmoud Darwish was a renowned Palestinian poet and author. Born on March 13, 1941, in Al Birweh, Palestine, he came from a land-owning Sunni Muslim family. Darwish wrote over 30 books of poetry and eight books of prose. His works earned him several prestigious awards, including the Lannan Cultural Freedom Prize, the Lenin Peace Prize, and the Knight of Arts and Belles Lettres Medal from France.
Fadwa Tuqan: Fadwa Tuqan was a Palestinian poet and feminist icon. She was born in Nablus in 1917 and passed away on December 12, 2003. Tuqan was the sister of Ibrahim Tuqan, a poet, playwright, and director of Radio Palestine. She had a profound influence on Palestinian literature and is known for her representations of resistance to Israeli occupation in contemporary Arab poetry.
Abdelkarim Al-Karmi: Abdelkarim Al-Karmi, also known as Abu Salma, was a renowned Palestinian poet and one of the prominent literary figures in the Arab world. He was born in Tulkarm and lived from 1909 to October 11, 1980. Al-Karmi's poetry gained recognition and appreciation for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. His works reflect the Palestinian experience, capturing themes of love, longing, and resistance. Al-Karmi's poetry continues to resonate with readers and remains an important part of Palestinian literature.
These authors have made significant contributions to Palestinian literature, using their words to express the Palestinian narrative and shed light on the experiences and struggles of their people.
 
Palestinian people have all the characteristics of the definition of nation.
There are  palestinian people who shows their traditions over the world to keep them alive no matter where they will be. Thanks to Leanne Mohamad in her youtube channel people from around the world can enrich themselves with the palestinian culture an knowledge. some information in this article is from Leanne Mohamad youtube channel.

Nuria Oller Vivet is a Spanish volunteer involded in the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Alina Weilguny is a Austrian volunteer involved in the International Children's day

Milna Scheibler is a German volunteer involved in the International Day for Tolerance