2021-03-07

Zonta in the media on International Women's Day

On March 8, 2021, Swedish Zonta clubs draw attention to the increased vulnerability of women and children in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic. Our submitter below has been emailed to newspaper editorial offices from Gällivare in the north to Trelleborg in the south.

Pay attention to the vulnerability of women and children

International Women's Day is not a day to celebrate - it's a day to pay attention. Bris received 40 percent more calls during the last Christmas holiday compared to the year before. The women's peace line received more than 4,000 more calls in 2020 compared to 2019. 

The ongoing corona pandemic is a global crisis that affects the entire world. The pandemic has affected everyone's life in some way, such as illness, grief, unemployment, isolation or financial worries. For already vulnerable groups, mainly women and children, it also means an increased risk of being subjected to violence by a close relative. 

In the run-up to International Women's Day, Zonta wants to draw attention to the vulnerability of women and children, which becomes visible in the traffic to various support lines, among other things.

Bris reports that during the Christmas holidays they received 1,438 calls, which is an increase of 40 percent compared to 2019. For the summer of 2020, the increase was 37 percent compared to 2019.

The number of calls to the Women's Peace Line's helpline has also hit a record. In 2020, they received an average of 128 calls per day, compared to 116 the year before. This is an increase of an average of 12 calls per day, i.e. roughly 4,300 more calls during the year.

Isolation can mean difficulties in seeking help and thus less opportunity to take part in society's efforts. Children and women are at risk of remaining in violent environments for various reasons; fear of asking for help if the perpetrator is always at home, difficulties in making contact outside the home, anxiety and fear of the risk of infection when changing residences. The social service's ability to detect malpractices also risks being delayed due to difficulties in making home visits during the ongoing pandemic.

Every day, all year round, we fellow human beings have a responsibility to react and act when we see or suspect that women and children are being harmed. How do you help?

Phone numbers for current support lines

The women's peace line: 020-50 50 50

The Women's Peace Line is a national helpline for those who have been exposed to physical, psychological and sexual violence. You who are relatives or friends are also welcome to call us. We are open 24 hours a day and you can call us regardless of where you live in Sweden. Your call costs nothing and does not appear on the phone bill.

Bris support phone: 116 111

You who are under the age of 18 can call Breeze to talk to a counselor about what you think about a lot or what you need help with. The number is 116 111. The phone is open 9-12 and 14-21 every day. As of March 15, Bris will be open around the clock, every day.