We're asking people around the world to submit their ideas for stopping violence against women and girls. And goal is to collect one million ideas. You can read a selection of ideas below. Submit your ideas by clicking here.

Education is a key factor in ending violence against women and beyond. Many women and children that experience some form of violence may need help in understanding that what is happening is wrong and that something can and should be done! Our society needs to be more open and honest. Women and children need to be taught how to identify abusers and abusive relationships. This is often a difficult task, but we can support and teach ach other how to recognize abusive behavior. Perhaps more importantly, the abusers need to be taught that what they are doing is wrong. We must teach that there will be consequences for their behavior, and that they won't just get away with it! Laura, 21, California, USA

Women need to help each other at every chance that we have because most of the world's governments will take their sweet time in addressing women's issues. But the billions of strong women in our world can strengthen the revolution against violence by showing each other kindness and compassion. Let's honor the common understanding of our kinship as women and
respect ourselves as a radiant and empowered females.
Sarah, 24, New Mexico USA

As advocates of women around the world, we need to expand our own knowledge and share our information with others. We need to reveal our stories, our difficulties facing the world, and our abilities to overcome the trials that have been thrust upon us. The more people who know and understand the dangers women face in their own homes, communities, and countries, the more support this and other women’s movements will acquire. Get people thinking. That’s the key.
Torri, 22, Pennsylvania USA

As a part of the health education requirement, elementary and high schools should provide information on domestic violence, rape, and incest. Children should be educated on and taught to speak up for their rights. Sadly, I feel like most young people don’t realize how they can make a difference in their own lives and communities. Let’s raise a generation of socially aware, activist children. We need to allow our children to have voices!
Margaret, 24, New York USA

Where to start? The chicken and the egg. Men are too chicken to admit the value of the egg. When a man is brave and secure enough in his identity, he'll be able to admit that women are equal. In our culture we learn that women are little more than property. Men need to learn their place. Men are misplaced.
Jerry, 63, California USA

My daughter's elementary school has a "feelings teacher," also called a "problem solver". Can there be a way to have these counselors let girls know that sexual topics can be discussed with a responsible adult without the girl getting in trouble with her parents? So kids don't feel so alone in their own heads?
Anonymous Female

Mothers should be paid at least £25,000 a year for the love and work they put into the home. Financial independence provides room for choice. Caroline, 32, UK

Invest in programs that promote the empowerment of women and girls by their peers. My high school hosted a "Silence the Violence" workshop that included speakers from our local safe house as well as a self defense workshop and a video presentation and discussion. All of the activities were led by teens. Students were given resources to take home about "safe dating" and where to go for help. I personally feel that schools should be mandated to provide this type of programming through their health or physical education classes. Leigh-Anne, 28, PA, USA

Most men are sickened by the violence practiced daily against women and girls--in the US and abroad. Men love their wives, daughters, mothers, and female friends. But sadly, most men also seem to feel that domestic violence is a "women's issue" and may not be comfortable taking a stand. Hence, we end up with a lot of inactivity where there should be the loudest outcries against the violence towards women. That is so wrong. Men can also take opportunities to educate--and become educated?n violence, to provide practical support, and to let people know that it's not ever okay to practice violence against a woman or any other person. Mike, 50, MA, USA

Teenagers are growing up in a "global community"-- more so than ever before. It is important to study not just the history of a country or the world, but to take a look at it seriously in the now. A recognition and appreciation for cultural, gender, or class differences can encourage tolerance, respect, openness, and dialogue. It is imperative that teenagers are allowed equal exposure to new ideas or information on differences in school settings, thru mentorship programs and in the media they so readily absorb. It is one teacher, one activist, one friend, one stranger?hat can revolutionize the future of a teenager. It's time to use that to our advantage. We are all teachers. Jessica, 19, MD, USA

No visitation should be allowed, socially, family, or in jails or prisons, by the abuser of a minor and their minor victim. These minor victims are often a sex crime victim, and the abuser is often a "friend" or a family member. THIS SHOULD BE AUTOMATICALLY IN EFFECT UPON A COURT CONVICTION OR HEARING GOOD CAUSE FINDING AGAINST THE ABUSER! In the U.S. state of Ca., no such laws were enacted in the 70's and early 80's. A Correctional Counselor became aware of a young sex crime incest victim BEING FORCED BY THE MOTHER TO VISIT IN PRISON WITH THE RAPIST FATHER! The Counselor, horrified at this situation, worked with the California Department of Corrections and Legislative Offices, and the resulting law made such visits illegal. ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! David, 53, California USA

Support your local girls' or women's community or school sports team. Females involved in athletics have more self-confidence, which is crucial to making good decisions and avoiding abusive situations. Andy, 31, Alabama USA

I think that there is a Federal Law that allows for "Drug Free Zones". Within those areas (around schools etc) the penalty for someone who is prosecuted is substantially increased (I've heard 3 times the normal penalty). How about Violence Free or Rape free zones? Ideally it would encompass the entire world but we have to start somewhere. Michelle, 37, California USA

It seems that the only way to get to people is to hit them in the pocketbook. Since men earn more and they are the ones filling the prisions and doing the harm I suggest they all be charged some amount to pay for the deeds of their brothers. I hope that they would then put some time and money into finding a way to stop their brothers from harming their mothers, sisters and daughters. Melanie, 41, North Carolina USA

We need to develop programs and counseling that addresses the fact no one wants to face: 80% of victims of sexual assault know their assaulters. Or, to be more accurate: 80% of assaulters know their victims and take advantage of bonds of friendship or family to wreak violence upon their victims. It is very scary to realize these facts - so frightening to think that assaulters are not madmen hiding in bushes at night, but rather our boyfriends, family members, co-workers and other people we know and trust. The media does not report these crimes. Women often do not report them either, because they do not fit the "stranger in bushes" stereotype we all depend on. Men advise women not to go out alone, never suspecting that the friend that walks her home might rape her. We need to develop programs that allow us to process the reality we're living in, and thus to change it. Women do not want to fear every man they meet and they shouldn't have to. Men need serious counseling classes as to what sexual assault really is and that what takes place in a familiar situation is just as vile and illegal as "in the bushes". We need to use education as prevention - educate everyone, and have serious concern for those that mock it. Only when we fully address this problem, shine the light of truth upon the assaulters disguised as friends or protectors, can we begin to change the situation. Kelley, 22, Idaho USA

If we could build a church around the female ...
Let's make our Sunday meeting place one that focuses on the religion of being a woman. The songs, the sermons, the treatment of our individuality, would all teach love and respect through knowledge of the female experience. Inherent to this theme, and crucial, is that it focuses on our relationships to each other. Let our relationships be that "Invisible Power" that we come on Sunday to worship! Anna, 22, USA

The portaryal of sexual assault, and its real perpetrators, need to be properly described by the media. Focus on what the real problem is is covered up by the wording of statistics and press releases. For example: 1 in 6 women in the United States has experienced an attempted or completed sexual assault (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). What is missing from this statistic? The assaulter. All of the attention is placed on the women, and while it is important to recognize the victime, it lets the perpetrator slip by unseen. A more accurate wording might be: Men in the United States try to assault women with such frequency that 1 in 6 women has been victim to an attempted or completed sexual assault. I am not saying that all men are rapists, nor that women should hate men. It's simply the truth that many men commit violence against women. Assault is not a "women's issue" - it is a "men's issue". The majority of assaults of all kinds are committed by men, and until both men and the patriarchal media can accept that fact then women's organizations will continue to bandage the results of this "men's issue". We need to educate the public that there is a genuine crisis in male masculinity, and that men need to assess their actions, with women helping them. The media needs to start addressing the assulters that remain hidden in most statistics. Our society as a whole needs to split the focus between the victims and the assaulters. We need to do more than damage control after the victim has been assaulted. Kelly, 22, Idaho USA

Celebrities have so much influence and so many advantages to use power that normal citizens don't have. Many celebrities use their popularity and voice for good but there are also many who don't or may not know how. I think that in every new VHS or DVD case and in every new CD case sold, there should be an insert about V-Day and how to help. There are so many other advertisements and inserts in them already, what would one more that could actally make a difference in the world hurt. As volunteers and members of the V-Day campaign, we could help supply the inserts as long as the celebrity made it possible for it to be included with the merchandise. Loren, 20, Texas USA

It is time to stop the misogyny against women and children. It is time to speak up and SHOUT to stop the rape, torture, abuse and murder of women. It is time to YELL and let the world know that it is not okay for women to die and we will fight with every breath to stop. It is time to reclaim our womanhood, unite together and gain equality for women all around the world. Melissa, 18, Arizona USA

There need to be more open forums for men and women to go to so that we are discussing what is going on around us. For people to be afraid to come forward with their stories makes it harder to do something about it. If a person is raped and has no where to go then to many institutions that rape does not exsist and the rapist may never know how they hurt another human being. We need to begin the process of teaching our young men and women how not to hurt one another. Sexual abuse, rape, even cat calls all can have repercussions that the perpetrator may never know about. They need to know. Jennifer, 23, California USA

After growing up in a semi-sexist comunity I've learned that it can be very hard for a woman to reach out for help. A woman who's afraid cannot seek help, fearing for her life and even for her children. I think that if support groups are advertised more it contributes to the Idea of Educating the comunity, showing others what is right and wrong and also showing that if horrible things take place there's always people to lean on. I've learned through friend's experiences that society needs to open their minds, that if a guy hits a woman (for example) it's not because the woman "asked for it" or "must have done something to deserve it". I think more women should stand up and say "that's enough" with out any trouble. It is our human right. We deserve to be respected 200% as the strong human beings that we are! Rebecca, 21, Puerto Rico

I, as an elementary school teacher, can teach my girls and boys how violence hurts people. I can teach them to love and respect one another. I can also listen to them and know when they need help and guidance from me to protect them from being hurt. Heather, 26, Alabama USA

Starting in pre-school, we need good strong information going out to our kids, both boys and girls that gives an equal standing to females in our world. 1% of GDP would go a long way to reaching children and their parents. Punita, 23, Australia

Invite men to undertake a pledge against violence towards women & children. The pledge should form both a educative role as well as being an undertaking. The pledge should be personalised with actions that the individual will adhere to. Certificates and badges etc., could be given (may help with fundraising for DV organisations). Edith, 42, Australia

I agree with many others that education is the key; however, I think we should start teaching as early as pre-school. I've watched my four children (2 boys 2 girls) go through school and noticed that in the first year their behavior changed. I know that some of this is natural with social integration. But I've heard too many teachers explain away a boy's violent behavior by saying things like "Boys will be boys" or "He's all boy"; or telling me how cute my daughter is instead of telling me how she is progressing in her studies...these are gender specific roles perpetuated by authority figures and I think it's a shame. It gives young impressionable boys the idea that its okay to be violent, and girls the idea that physical beauty is more important than knowledge. You can teach your kids to be kind and compassionate at home, then watch them come home from school beat up by the rougher kids because of it. How long before they turn into one of those kids for the sake of survival? Where are the principals and teachers and counselors? I told my son to tell the teacher if he got harrassed...he was told to stop being a baby. He was six years old at the time. Start teaching them young, and follow through with age-appropriate reinforcement. I realize compassion and respect aren't necessarily taught in every home, but how will kids learn if someone doesn't show them? Educate the teachers to educate the kids and hold them responsible when their behavior perpetuates negative stereotypes. Lisa, 39, Kentucky USA

The reality is that violence against women will not stop this generation, it will not stop until all violence stops and it will not stop until violence has stopped being promoted. Violence will not stop in my lifetime, but by taking one step at a time, the world can one day be with out it. Education is the key! Teach females to be proud of who they are, teach them to choose a partner who is proud of them and teach them how to protect themselves against violence. Teach males to be proud of who they are and why they should be proud of their partner. Teach them how to zero in on possible violent bnehavior and protect themselves and loved ones against it. Both males and females need to band together to stop violence and educate others to better the lives of the human race! Charlene, 22, Texas USA

Well, obviously there is no simple solution. Attitudes towards and societal norms of women are so deeply embedded in our minds, that sometimes the best thing we can do is simply look out, as much as possible, for those close to us- pay a attention to little signs. There are little signs everywhere of women in our lives hurting and being abused, calling out (sometimes very quietly) for help. But unfortunately, we can't rely on everyone to do their best at caring for those around them (or anyone for that matter). And compassion cannot be bought with taxdollars. So... another idea rather: V-day & The Vagina Monologues go around to colleges all over, right? Easy enough- why not do high schools? (Yeah, many high school students might not be mature enough to handle "the v-word" and such..) but perhaps an optional thing after school? Maybe certain classes in the school (psychology, sociology, history courses, etc.) could offer extra credit to those who attend or even require a paper about the presentation? However the teachers might see fit, to get students involved and interested. Personally, I'm in my third year of college and I really wish someone would have turned me on to all of this a lot earlier. It's very empowering, which is something teenagers need as much as anyone. Either that or work with school clubs? My high school and college has tons of extra curricular clubs and groups and stuff for students. Although I never remember hearing about any real women's or feminist's kind of groups, which is something I probably would've taken an interest in. Basically, anything to further educate women (and men!) about women's issues as well as anything to decrease the gender gap would help I think. There's my two cents.. or should I say, my one in a million idea. Meagan, 21, Illinois USA

Be the person to implement in your local school district a course that teaches K thru 8 th grades. This course will engage the promise of young children to respect and embrace diversity of all people, cultures and religions. We are one with the universe. Eileen, 56, New Jersey USA

A couple years ago, a girl at the ripe age of 13 was raped and murdered in her own home, by a friend of her sister. Our town was heartbroken. This girl had just started middle school. These days, children learn about cigarettes and other drugs from the start of elementary school. Kids should, no, NEED to know about how women should protect themselves and how violence should never occur. The earlier this is learned, the more impact it will have. By the time of middle or high school, many girls have already experienced some type of that violence. That is wrong and we need to change it. NOW. Lindsay, 16, California USA

CAUTION AND TRAINING OF PREVENTION AND SELF PROTECTION MEASURES AGAINST RAPE. WE ARE DOING THIS TYPE OF IDEA IN KENYA AND IT HAS REDUCED RAPE FROM 18,500 IN THE YEAR 2000 TO 12,069 IN THE YEAR 2002. HOW CAN WE SEND THE IDEA? Duncan, 46, Kenya

I work with teenagers and have found it so distressing to realize that so many children, as young as 12, are sexually active and believe themselves to be sexually aware. We need to educate all children, much more effectively than we do now, in all matters to do with sex; the joys and the dangers. I also feel children need to be made aware of the terrible situations that many people find themselves in. We are all affected by the images the media portrays but young girls especially so. Young girls so desperately seek approval and believe that so much of that comes from men/boys fancying them that they believe they are only "worthy" if they provide what these boys/men "need". They think they know what they are doing but are really so naive. It worries me considerably and I wish more would be done to provide them with the information that is so obviously needed. Not only are we getting more teenage pregnancies but more females are carrying STDs and not developing the love and pride they need to feel for themselves and their bodies. Sharon, 32, UK

V-DAY has tapped into the taboos against women from being womanly and exposed the truths of violence against women. Now, I propose to reach out and touch the hearts of those who have helped along the way.
Men give purple hearts to courageous, brave, bold men who served their country. The Pink Heart Campaign seeks and rewards those men and women who through their delicate touch, negotiating, efforts and contributions have implemented policy, healed wounds, overcame opposition and helped bring peace and awareness to the issues at the heart of V-Day's mission. Cynthia, 28, New York USA

I think it would be a good idea to include a selfdefense course for women as a part of all college orientations. I'm not talking Kung fu or Karate, just what steps can be taken when confronted with a threatening siuation in order to protect ourselves. Carol, 45, New York USA

I think people of all ages, especially children, should be aware of the violence that goes on towards women and girls. Kids aren't set in their ways yet. If they can understand the concept of how wrong violence is and if they are given a chance to be heard, they are more likely not to practice violence in their lives. If there were assemblies at all schools including discussions, plays, or any creative performances that would draw kids in, they would at least begin to think about how wrong violence is and the damage it does. Another idea is to have several special concerts around the world that could raise money for and promote the v-day campaign. To draw in the most diverse crowd, a diverse group of artists with a variety of music should play at this concert. So whether they are well-known or not, old or young, men or women, they should be able to share their music.
Erin, 18, Michigan USA

One of my ideas is to have Nike launch a campaign to end violence against women entitled JUST DON'T DO IT! I would like to think that this would be highly effective in terms of the audience reached and the impact Nike already has globally. Just think how wonderful, powerful, and beneficial a Nike television commercial would be! However, if Nike is unwilling to launch such a campaign, one might consider approaching LeBron James, the 18 year old high school basketball player who just signed a 90 million dollar contract with Nike. Afterall, he is also in a position to be able to do wonders to help stop violence against women by being a spokesperson for this cause. He could be such a positive influence on men and women around the world! Still, if this should also not come to fruition then there is always the option of using local billboards. These could be along highways, at bus stops/subway stations, or even on trains, buses themselves! Groups of local men and women could do fundraising in order to purchase the billboard space and then have local graphic artist/designers etc. Create powerful pieces with anti-violence messages/images on them. Further, while we're on the topic of travel, why stop there? We might even venture as far as planes...trains...automobiles. If airlines would allow us we could show films about ending violence or at least provide magazines or newsletters as such along with the complementary peanuts. Trains could also follow suit! Or how about Nissan or VW or Ford etc. providing anti-violence or self-defense/safety tactics information along with their cars, trucks, SUVS in order to insure that women are safe if they are being followed, or if they're car breaks down, parking lot safety etc. Speaking of parking lots, malls and department stores, Walmarts, K-marts etc. could employ people to provide parking lot security. Units of them if need be to escort people safely to their vehicles and to patrol around the lot/garage to further ensure safety. I could go on forever...however, I will end with two last thoughts...maybe yogurt companies could start putting anti-violence messages on their tops so that when people opened them they could read them before/while enjoying their snack/lunch etc. Or how about a really hip commercial with a contemporay well known actor, athlete, performing artist that covers the issue of ending violence against women? I bet there are many famous people who love to volunteer their time for such a spot. And how cool would it be if Aaron or Tori Spelling donated the money for the air time?! Sarah, 27, Pennsylvania USA

I think that every town should have a women's organization or group in it. In the meetings women, and men if they choose to join, could talk about women's issues, abuse being one of them. They could also talk about ways to inform their children about safe sex since President Bush is cutting funding for family planning unless it talks only about abstinence. Also I think that women should produce their own television newschannel where women can truly hear about what is going on in the world. I don't believe that the current news channels tell us the truth about everything. It would also be a great opportunity for women to get jobs. It should not be funded by the government or anything like that....the women running it should have the freedom to report on anything they choose. Andrea, 18, Connecticut, USA

Male leaders need to step up and let the world know that they do not condone or tolerate any type of violence or act of unwanted sexual advances to any woman. Females as well as males need to be involved in the fight to protect women. United, the world is a much stronger and hopefully safer place to live. Beth, 19, Illinois, USA

Everything in the outer world is a reflection of our inner world. To really stop the violence, we must eradicate all negativity from our consciousness. Hold good thoughts in our minds. If a woman is afraid of being attacked, the best thing to do is to go within to her Divine source, her core star. Prayer is a very effective tool for protection. Anonymous

I've always believed that the values, ideas, and standards that an individual has set for himself are often based on what that person has learned at home. Unfortunately, some children are subjected to homes with a parent or guardian who is emotionally and physically absent in terms of child rearing; while other children live in a home filled with abuse. Children learn to be abusive and emotionally withdrawn because that's what they learn from home. So if children can't get the support and education from their own parents, who do they turn to? I believe our children need to be listened to, educated, and provided support by teachers, mentors, and school counselors. Federal funding should be allocated to counseling, mentoring, and after-school programs for children of all grade levels. Professional counselors and everyday people, perhaps, can volunteer their time to help our children. If we can teach children (boys and girls)early on in life how to value themselves and respect other people maybe, just maybe, we can minimize future violence against women. Sonia, California, USA

As a former Girl Scout and employee of the local Council, I think it would be great if there was a Girl Scout badge available for Juniors, Cadettes and Senior Girl Scouts whose requirements would be age appropriate. I am very proud to say that our Council is dedicated to preventing bullying, harrassment and relationship violence in our area by providing a program called the "Yellow Dress" program. This offers 5 age appropriate attention-getting theatrical productions focusing on the issues of bullying and relationship violence. It is offered free of charge to any school who wishes to schedule it. We even take it out of our area and perform in Iowa and Outstate Nebraska. V-Day might also consider partnering with the Girl Scouts of the United States. Heck, your national headquarters are both located in New York City! I think it would be wonderful if two fine organizations like V-Day and Girl Scouts could work together. Elizabeth, 45, Nebraska, USA

I am working with the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women to start a domestic violence survivor's network for Minnesota and I need your ideas and input for successfully getting this project up and running. I am learning about grants and all sorts of funding options. As a DV survivor myself, I am deeply committed to educating society and changing women's 2nd class status through public activism and legislative lobbying. I want to start a network for strong women who are serious about ending the violent oppression and degredation forced upon victims of abuse. Jessica, 29, Minnesota, USA

Millions of women walk around each day with their eyes cast down or looking painfully straight ahead when they walk in public. These women have their reasons and the hurt behind them. It is our responsibility as women to help those who cannot look into the eyes of others due to their fears of becoming a target again. It is my proposal that an effort be made by all women towards all women to smile - just smile - every time you pass a girl or woman on the street. A warm and sincere smile, even if not seen, is felt. And that thought, that brief outreach of support is a lifting hand often missing in the anxiety that exists outside and within ourselves. Chrissie, 23, California, USA

I would like to see every community with a place where kids can go to sleep when they have no real home to call there own. Maybe only for a night or a few weeks, without having to go into a foster home. I think one of the most at risk group of girls are those with little parental supervison that are often out late at night. When you want to be away from home you need somewhere you can go and feel safe. I grew up in a house of drug addicts and spent many months homeless at the age of 13. In the small hours of the night children should not be out on the street. - Anonymous

We men should always treat the women and girls gently and politely. They deserve it as they are the life-bearing sex and we all have begun our lives inside women. So, as a man I declare I always will remember this: Without girls and women there would be no human beings and so they need our best attention and shelter. Let«s treat them as if they were our mothers and sisters. They deserve the best we can provide, both materially and spiritually. They should get best education possible as they can then be good examples to their children. Hannu, 49, Finland

An easy and effective way to get attention may be a petition. Signitures aren't quite hard to receive, and maybe, just maybe, it truly can make a difference for those girls who need it most. To give them rights, love, and the freedom that they truly deserve. There has got to be some way to put such horrific and barbaric issues to an end. It will take much more than a petiton, no doubt about that, but it is maybe a starter idea, and hopefully will grow into something bigger and better. I just hope I have helped, and my prayers+ are with all of you, and those girls. Thank you for saving so many lives and living through the will of God+. It would be such an honor to take part. Thank you..if only words could say enough... Jess, 14, Massachusetts, USA

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