SYRIZA president Stefanos Kasselakis sent his own message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, with an extensive post on social media.

As Stefanos Kasselakis pointed out, the legal recognition of the term “feminicide” is an obligation of the state, stressing that gender-based violence is treated as “fine print”.

She added that the most profound discrimination in centuries makes us reflect today, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, where we have been and where we have come.

His post in detail

“The most profound discrimination in centuries makes us reflect today, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, where we have been and where we have come. From the woman who was confined to the house and did not have the right to vote, to the woman who is the most dynamic part of our society.

All this was conquered by the woman herself, with struggles, in a patriarchal society with pervasive sexism. And yet, behind the image of an egalitarian society, there are still dozens of steps to be taken. Today, in the 21st century, one in three women worldwide, as well as in the European Union, has suffered physical or sexual violence. This is a shocking statistic, behind which human souls are hidden. Even more shocking is the increase in incidents of domestic violence in recent years.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the woman stayed at home. And there she experienced abusive behavior from her husband or partner. In Greece, the pandemic, combined with the sudden conservatism of Greek society, brought femicide to the forefront of the news. Unfortunately, in a state that does not even do the basics, gender-based violence is treated as “small print”.

It is the duty of the state to legally recognize the term “femicide” and to create strong structures for reporting violence, in which those who break their silence and report can feel safe. The metoo movement revolutionized visibility. It’s time to take the next step. To turn “breaking the silence” into institutions, structures, government policy, social protection. So that all women and femininities can feel safe on the street, at work, at home.”