International Women's Day
written by John Bolch
on Monday, March 08, 2010
Nick Langford has reminded me that today is International Women's Day 2010.
There is no world-wide theme this year, but the theme of the United Nations is 'Women and men united to end violence against women and girls', something that every family lawyer deals with all-too-frequently throughout their careers.
Family lawyers receive little thanks for the work that they do (and are often criticised), but I'm sure that there are many women out there who are grateful for the help that they have received from their lawyers in protecting them from violent partners. Perhaps today we should celebrate this work, whilst of course acknowledging that much remains to be done to deal with the scourge of domestic violence.
March 08, 2010 3:42 PM
I had no idea! Thanks for this 'alert' post John. I wonder if those recent adverts about television against violence in relationships were leading up to today?
This is what attracts me to family law; really making a difference in someone's life for the better. I do agree with you though that there is still a long way to go in dealing with domestic violence. Sad but true...
March 10, 2010 9:03 AM
Perhaps if we could acknowledge that violence against men and boys was equally unacceptable there would be a greater chance of men and women uniting. Why not simply, 'Women and men united to end domestic violence'? Why must there always be this little dig at men, this discrimination by gender? It alienates most men, and it also alienates many women, particularly those who are married to men or are the mothers of men and boys. A more honest, more inclusive campaign could very well be a more effective campaign. Or isn't that what the UN wants?
March 10, 2010 9:14 AM
Your comment does not surprise me. Indeed, I almost made this point in the post (I have often previously pointed out that men are also victims of domestic violence), but did not do so, as it was, of course, International Women's Day.
March 10, 2010 10:21 AM
When is international Men's day.
March 10, 2010 10:25 AM
Good question!
March 10, 2010 11:48 AM
ah - comments of the 'what about the menz?' variety. how unusual.
March 10, 2010 11:54 AM
:-)
March 10, 2010 12:42 PM
Apparently there is such a thing and it's on November 19th, though needless to say it won't be observed in the UK. At least we may have got rid of the Harperson by then. :)
I know my comment was predictable (and I'll probably make it again next year) but it's a valid point. A neutral, inoffensive campaign would be entirely possible, so why do the organisers of these things always feel the need to provoke half the population? I can only conclude that their campaign has little to do with tackling violence and far more to do with bashing men.
Cui bono, as a lawyer might say.
March 10, 2010 2:23 PM
re 'At least we may have got rid of the Harperson by then', I doubt it.
I mean the labour party seem to be making a recovery and the last I saw of Dave Cameron his chin was wobbling.
March 10, 2010 2:24 PM
C'mon Esther for Luton South.
March 10, 2010 2:28 PM
OK, OK - let's not turn this into a political blog!
:-)