My Body My Choice

23-29 November 2020: #HotspotWeek for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

This year Balkan Hotspot decided to dedicate a whole week full of initiatives to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25th of November).

Sara Angioletti

Violence against Women is a very broad topic that includes many aspects, so we decided to focus the attention on what is often the centre of discussion and the target of discrimination: female BODY.

© Alejandro Sánchez Aragón

From denying the right to abortion to accusing rape victims of “asking for it” just because of the way they were dressed, women are still unable to decide freely what to do with their own bodies, facing taboos and prejudice, as laws often do not guarantee their fundamental rights and fail to protect them.

During the week we gave space to the voices of those who work with women and for the women to present their work and discuss various aspects of gender-based violence.

© Alejandro Sánchez Aragón

From the personal contribution of the ESC volunteers of United Societies of Balkans to interviews with organizations from all over Europe, such as Amnesty International Polska (Poland) and Lucha y Siesta (Italy), we offered different points of view which can be great opportunities to reflect on this hot topic and to take action.

© Alejandro Sánchez Aragón