06:00, 23 December 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
“I want women’s lives to thrive" says Tabitha Morton, Executive Director of UN Women UK.
As we currently observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—an international campaign running from 25 November to 10 December, dedicated to raising awareness and urging action to end violence against women and girls—we focus on the vital work of UN Women UK. With its innovative call-in approach, the NGO is challenging the deep-rooted cultural attitudes that perpetuate violence against women and girls in today’s society.
This year, the 2024 campaign centres on femicide, drawing urgent attention to the devastating scale of violence faced by women globally.
In a recent interview, Smiley News spoke to Tabitha about UN Women UK’s newest report.
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the report Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides, published by UN Women and UNODC, reveals the alarming persistence of femicide worldwide. Every 10 minutes, a woman or girl is killed by an intimate partner or family member outside of war zones.
In the UK alone, this tragic reality translates to a woman dying every three days. While these figures can feel overwhelming, the campaign is grounded in the idea that femicide does not occur in a vacuum—it's the culmination of a continuum of violence.
The journey from harmless jokes about a woman’s appearance or catcalls on the street to more severe acts of violence can be a slippery slope. Tabitha explained that men’s attitudes towards women’s rights and bodies often begin with these everyday behaviours—actions many may dismiss as trivial but which lay the groundwork for more dangerous violence.
"We’re not just talking about extreme cases; we’re talking about the everyday behaviour that enables such violence," said Tabitha.
She continues, “It’s common knowledge that women already know the scope of the issue. They are not in need of constant reminders about their vulnerability. Instead, our campaign asks men and women alike to take a more active role in ensuring women’s safety in public spaces.”
The heart of UN Women Uk’s campaign is to empower people to intervene when they witness troubling behaviour, regardless of their gender.
The Stop, Support, Report framework empowers bystanders—whether they witness an incident or are informed of it afterward—to act without compromising their own safety.
To help with the implementation of this new framework, UN Women UK has developed a range of #StopSupportReport training tools to help people understand how to safely intervene and make a difference. These resources are open to everyone.
It is clear that ending violence against women and girls is a responsibility that lies with all of us. Through active bystander intervention, a stronger legal response, and meaningful societal change, we can help create a safer world for women and girls everywhere.
"Being an active bystander means stepping up, not just observing," Tabitha concludes.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
UN Women UK is the UK branch of the United Nations entity dedicated to advocating for gender equality, empowering women, and advancing women’s rights both nationally and globally. Find out more.
Our Streets Now. This UK-based campaign group challenges the culture of gender-based violence and intersecting forms of oppression. Learn more here.
Beyond The Streets. This UK charity is working to support women affected by sexual exploitation and prostitution, helping them escape exploitation and find pathways to safety and recovery. Support them here.
