International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent

The side event, organized by Italy will provide the opportunity to engage in dialogue on the multi-faceted aspects of surrogacy, their link with violence and exploitation of women and children including girls, and the impact of such practice on gender equality. The side event is expected to generate greater awareness of surrogacy as a form of exploitation and violence against women and girls, while at the same time strengthening support for international action towards its abolition. In addition, the event will underline the importance of reflecting on, and working towards, the adoption of an international legally binding instrument that explicitly prohibits all forms of surrogacy. Related Documents:  Concept note Watch Surrogacy as a Form of Violence Against Women and Girls: Need for Global Action! Meetings & Events

“Women and girls of African descent are not merely victims of an unequal system; we are also leaders, thinkers, writers, mothers, artists, students, lawyers, fisherwomen, guardians of ancestral knowledge — and anything else we choose to be,” said Franciele Silva, a Brazilian law student at the Federal University of Bahia. The International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent , observed for the first time this 25 July, is a call to move beyond statements toward bold, transformative action, including investment in education, dismantling stereotypes, and ensuring leadership representation. “This day serves as a way to make our struggles, our existence, and our contributions visible — things that are so often erased or silenced,” Silva said. For Hanadi Saad Al Farhan, a humanitarian and community development professional based in Basrah, Iraq and former UN fellow of African descent , this day reminds the world that women and girls of African descent matter. “Visibility is dignity. ...

  Call to Action to support data collection that is disaggregated by race and gender to inform targeted, just policies.

Call to Action to protect rights defenders, activists, and community leaders from violence and suppression.