International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2021

From World WIZO Chairperson Anita Friedman:

“When they are abandoned to their fate – we should be perturbed about their future, troubled not only by the violence itself and the rate at which it is increasing, but also from the fact that nobody is disturbed by this phenomenon. Tens of thousands of women have been forgotten, they live in fear, subject to the unpredictability of the men who live or have lived with them, submissive and afraid of their partners every whim, without having an address to turn to, a policeman to complain to, a judge to plead with, or God to have mercy on them. Their distress should bother us.

I stand before you today and say: The situation is difficult, but having said that, I am proud, enormously proud, that we at WIZO – are keeping it together and holding on. We may be the band aid that doesn’t cover the entire lump, but the services we provide are a definite “yeah” amongst the huge shortage, and this glimmer of light is important, as it leads the way to more lights. And to those women who are victims of abuse, I say: you are worthy, you are important, and you are the center of our attention. We are by your side as you deal with these hard times with the hope of building a bridge to a wonderful future.”