Men and women in seven Colombian cities took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against violence against women.
November 25 is the official internationally recognized date to say no to violence against women.
An art exposition entitled “Women remember, voices against violence: 100 paintings against violence” featuring experiences, creativity and wisdom of women from various organizations in Colombia will be featured during November and December around the country in Bogota, Bucaramanga, Cali, Cartagena, Medellin, Popayan, and Quibdo.
In the city of Cali, men with white handkerchiefs and women with black eyes from the 21st municipal gathered at Plaza Caicedo and participated in a march against domestic violence. Cities will host events promoting awareness about law 1257, the law against violence against women, which passed in 2008. The civic guards will be handing out information about the laws this month.
The mayor’s office in Cali has declared the city free from violence against women as one of the 22 Mega Obras proposed during the month of December also commemorating the 61st anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights. Various events and forums will be organized during the following months.
The movement was also accompanied by the Bercana Foundation. Artist Angelica Nieto said, “This month, the index of violence against women is up. We are hoping to achieve a process of accompaniment and sensitivity; we hope to be able to transform the pain.”
According to Cali’s Secretary of Health, Alejandro Varela Villegas, domestic violence is a mental health problem and women seeking help should immediately report incidents to their health provider through the proper attention channels.
The secretary of health has been supporting a process with the secretary of well being by hosting forums and forming a team which focuses on mental health.
Mabel Pastrana, the advisor for social groups in the secretariat for territorial development and well being at the mayor’s office and member of the network for women said “Today we are voices united against violence against women”.
This day has been celebrated to commemorate the death of sisters Maria Teresa, Patricia, and Minerva Mirabal who were brutally murdered in 1950 denouncing Dominican Republic dictator Leonidas Trujillo since 1981 and is an opportunity to reflect about different forms of violence against women.
