International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Throughout the world today we will be organising activities to demand change and, sadly, commemorating those we have lost this year through gender-based violence. As we consider ourselves also part of the ELT community, we ask that teachers participate in their local activities and also use the space of the classroom to raise these issues. Unsurprisingly, there are few if any mentions of this issue in published ELT materials but this shouldn’t stop of us from finding creative ways to raise and discuss the issue.

Thanks to the website ESLchestnut people can find a variety of interesting resources.  There is also a ready-made lesson included here that whilst far from perfect (what is??) is a decent starting point. Of course, we ask that teachers also make available a list of contact points of professional advice and services available to those suffering domestic violence or persons they know who may be suffering from such violence.

We also take today as an opportunity to raise the point that shelters for women and children suffering from domestic violence are under threat around the world, including rich countries like the UK, Australia and the USA. And to mention creative responses to tragedy and oppression such as “Love Grace- Handbag Initiative”