Taking a stand against gender-based violence
On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on Monday, November 25, 2019, several events were organized in the Principality to create awareness and encourage active participation.
Women’s rights activists have observed November 25 as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. This date was selected to honor the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of that country’s ruler. In 1993 the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, and finally in February 2000, November became the official date. Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today that unfortunately remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.
Become an actor instead of passive spectator
One of several events organized in the Principality was an interactive theater performance at the Princess Grace Theater, organized by the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights, created on October 25, 2018 and established by the Minister of State on November 30 of the same year.
The committee’s mission is to coordinate, implement and evaluate national policies to promote gender equality and combat violence and discrimination against women.
Lead by Celine Cottalorda, Delegate for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights, for Women’s Rights, the committee is composed of representatives from relevant government bodies and the Department of Justice. Elected members of the National Council and Town Hall, the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Liberties and Mediation, the Economic and Social Council and representatives from women’s rights associations, join forces with the committee.
In her welcoming speech at the Theater Princess Grace, Céline Cottalorda, emphasized the campaign’s key message: “In the face of violence, we can not remain spectators, we must all be actors”. The public was invited to intervene and participate, becoming a player in the show. (Photo insert: Celine Cottalorda @Manuel Vitali)
The interactive theater piece was entitled “We could have said something”, and addressed the topic of domestic violence. It was performed by the troupe Globe Theater, in the presence of representatives of the Monegasque authorities and women’s rights associations.
In the afternoon, a performance was organized, in collaboration with the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports and the Soroptimist Club of Monaco, for high school students of the Principality, on the theme of Internet’s virtual encounters and respect for others.
Public buildings, such as the Prince’s Palace, the National Council and the Princess Grace Theater, were illuminated in orange to honor this important date. (Photo below: Celina Lafuente de Lavotha)
Today’s Quote
“We have to promote human solidarity, avoid indifference, and play a part with society in the solution of the problem of violence.” Shakira
Monaco Reporter 