| This year will be defined by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also be defined by the global, exponential growth of violence against women and girls who were forced to shelter with their abusers. It is a year where the influence of frontline leaders and activists made a huge impact. Heads of State are making moves to create change – like South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa who called for an African Union and continental-wide treaty to end the violence. Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari made an even bolder call: for a Global Treaty to End Violence Against Women and Girls. This is a watershed moment. For seven years, along with thousands of frontline advocates, survivors, and citizens, we have made this our central mission – and we are grateful for your support every step of the way. But we cannot rest. We must secure support from every African Union nation and from every corner of the globe. The former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda now serves as our Special Envoy. Her Excellency is leading conversations with former and current African leaders including with Liberia’s former President, Nobel Peace Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. This is a moment unlike any before. 2020 brought great challenges but it has also brought us this historic opportunity to create the change necessary to create a life free from violence. Together. You were essential in getting us this far. Now, it’s all hands on deck! Here’s what you can do.
With warmest wishes for an exceptional 2021 and with profound gratitude, All of us at Every Woman Treaty |
