Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today. It remains largely unreported because of the stigma and shame surrounding it. November 25th will begin a multi-year effort from the United Nations aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls. We could watch for events in support of this work. We could maybe be a bit more awake and aware of the violence around us, in language and in everyday behaviour.
In 2015 Pope Francis made us aware of the need to protect the environment in his encyclical “Laudato Si.” His message has stirred Development & Peace to choose “For Our Common Home” as its’ theme for the next two years. You can “Defend the Defenders” by signing a solidarity letter addressed to two communities threatened by ‘mining and logging’ in Brazil, or you may want to take the intergenerational pledge by visiting the D & P website and choose your own personal commitment for taking better care of our Earth.
