International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW)
“Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation, and it is perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture, or wealth. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development and peace.”
what is EVAW Day?
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, also known as EVAW day on November 25 was initiated by the United Nations in 1999 by resolution 54/134. On this day, the UN encourages governments, NGOs, and international organizations to organize events in order to bring public awareness to this issue. On this day, the UN hopes that people around the world will contemplate the global nature of this phenomenon, the frequency of which is occurs, and the preventative measures that governments and individual communities should implement.
EVAW Art Exhibition
Three years ago, the China Women's Film Festival partnered with UN Women to organize the annual EVAW Art Exhibition as their contribution in raising public awareness about violence against women and girls. Artists from around the world submit their artwork that highlights the prevalence of domestic violence, and the perseverance necessary to combat it. Every year, the art exhibition highlights different styles of artwork, showcasing both up and coming and well-known artists.
In 2016, China officially criminalized domestic violence, however, social perceptions of such a crime have yet to undergo the same changes. Therefore, our organization finds it especially important to raise public awareness about violence against women in China. Art can be a powerful and impactful medium to highlight this issue.
4th EVAW Feminist Comic Project
For the 4th EVAW, the program is going to be different from previous years. It is going to be a one-year long project. At this occasion we are going to launch the feminist comic collaboration. Our project is to connect feminist activists, illustrators, and storytellers from across the world with Chinese students to create an array of diverse comics that feature strong and independent women.