Dear Erasmus Community,

Today, on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we stand together to confront a profound human rights crisis.

In 2023, UNESCO reported a devastating statistic: 51,100 women lost their lives to gender-based violence—a tragic reality that translates to a woman being murdered every 10 minutes by partners or family members. This staggering number represents more than just statistics; it reflects individual lives, dreams, and potential brutally cut short.

Violence against women manifests in numerous devastating forms: workplace harassment, online abuse, forced child marriages, human trafficking, and countless other systemic and personal violations. Perhaps most heartbreaking is how such violence often remains hidden—suppressed by impunity, silence, stigma, and shame.

We cannot remain passive. We must unite to:
- Protest these grave injustices
- Promote genuine equality
- Eliminate all forms of violence against women and, by extension, all living beings

Our collective responsibility is to create a supportive environment where women feel empowered to speak out, knowing they are not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, support is available. Helpline Resource: https://www.endvawnow.org/en/need-help

Together, we can dismantle systems of oppression, challenge harmful narratives, and build a world founded on mutual respect, compassion, and human dignity.