International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

At the end of November each year, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is celebrated, a date that reminds the world of the importance of the female gender in society and the inequality in terms of the rights they have.

Lady Carolina Díaz Jurado, a nurse and professor at the University of Cundinamarca, indicated alarming figures worldwide:

“In five countries around the world, abortion remains completely prohibited, even to save the life of the pregnant woman or in cases of rape. In six countries, women cannot travel abroad without permission. Fifteen million girls are married every year before the age of 18—that is, one every second,” stated Professor Lady Carolina Díaz Jurado.

The aforementioned facts indicate that women have developed low self-esteem and a diminished sense of self-worth regarding their own bodies. An example of this is vaginal problems, which society has stigmatized and turned into a taboo. Many people mistakenly believe that it is only an organ useful for sex and therefore unmentionable, even during menstruation.

Dr. Jorge Alberto García, president of the Colombian Association of Gynecological Urology, stated that various women come to his office with concerns such as discrimination from their partner regarding aspects of intimacy, color, size, or after having their child with incontinence problems, etc., feeling insecure and ashamed about it.

“From the family, the school, the media, among other actors, they have to promote self-esteem and empowerment,” said the Udec teacher.

Dr. García also says that these situations are more common than people think and are treatable in various ways. Out of fear or shame, women don't get checked, letting the problem progress instead of seeking solutions that would give them greater confidence, which is a form of self-harm.

Low self-esteem often leads women to tolerate physical, psychological, and emotional abuse from their partners. According to a 2020 report by UN Women, at least 35% of women in relationships have experienced some form of abuse.

Finally, Professor Lady stated that according to the United Nations, less than 20% of landowners worldwide are women, one more reason for women to have more rights.

Ucundinamarca Radio Station · International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

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