In 2022, only 14 per cent of all women and girls were living in countries with robust legal protection to guarantee women’s fundamental human rights.

Even when laws exist, this does not guarantee that they are compliant with international standards and recommendations, or are actively implemented and enforced. While countries are increasingly enacting legislation against domestic violence it is vital that they are enforced too, and that everyone is aware of the laws, rights and protections in place.

In the early years, Ukrainian Christmas began with a forty day fast, during which no meat was served, and ended with the appearance of the first star on Christmas Eve. Before the meal was served, as the table was prepared, Ukrainian mountaineers observed certain superstitions which were centuries old. These included tying strings around the legs of the table with a wish that the fruit trees would not break in the wind, and laying a small ax head under the table with the wish that tools would be saved from rust or breakage.

Unite to end violence against women and girls – by building networks to advocate for and support women and girls who are affected by violence, we are helping to make a difference Here are stories from our members doing just that, and how you can support too:

In Iceland, ACWW Coordinator for Kvenfélagasamband Íslands shares how they have collaborated with societies in their area:

ACWW Member societies are actively supporting rural women, both in their communities and worldwide. Their stories of action offer insight and inspiration

One of our member societies from Zimbabwe, Ntengwe for community development (PVO 42/10), share what they are doing to support action against gender-based violence in their communities:

As digital technology becomes more widely used worldwide, there is an urgent need to protect women's rights and safety online.

Online abuse not only results in feeling physically unsafe but also contributes to silencing girls’ voices online. Governments and social media companies must have robust frameworks to uphold the safety of women and girls in these spaces. It is vital that they take this seriously and hold perpetrators of abuse to account.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent and pervasive of human rights violations. The solution lies in robust responses, including investment in prevention.

Today – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – marks the start of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign.

On November 30, 1872, John McCrae, Canadian soldier and poet, was born in Guelph, Ontario, son of Lieutenant David McCrae and his wife, Janet Simpson McCrae. He was a man of high principles and strong spiritual values. He has been described as warm and sensitive with a remarkable compassion for both people and animals.

“I am a Women's Institute member before anything else – immensely interested as I am in other organizations, both men's and women's, I feel happier and more at home at an Institute gathering than at any other meeting,” declared Her Excellency, the Lady Tweedsmuir, who attended three Women's Institute gatherings, Victoria, Port Hammond and Point Grey during her recent holiday at the Pacific Coast.

At the banquet on the final day of the 2008 Centennial BC Women's Institute Convention  in Duncan, a group of members arrived just before the evening's program got underway. These ladies, referred to as “The Ghosts”, were there to represent prominent members from the WI past and to share history with the banquet attendees. The selected members, garbed in the clothing of the era they were active in were there for the banquet, but also to share their knowledge of the past of the Women's Institute as well as answer questions others at their table may have. There was considerable laughter from some of the tables, I wonder what questions generated that?