Violence comes in many forms and affects millions of women and girls around the world every year. Worldwide, 736 million women – almost one in three – have experienced violence at least once in their lives.
All over the world, young women and men are fighting to change this pattern. They are speaking out against violence. They’re talking about the consequences they and their peers are experiencing, and they’re trying to change their communities and the statistics for the future. This is the work that Iris Gold is now embarking on.
Something she has experienced herself
The English-Jamaican-Danish singer and songwriter Iris Gold has experienced violence in a relationship and its effects at first hand:
“I experienced violence in a relationship. I was ashamed of it. But through a combination of psychological help and counselling at the women’s shelter where I stayed for a while, I’ve learned to put into words what I’ve been through. It is still a very taboo subject that needs to be talked about. I hope this song can help to keep the dialogue about gender-based violence going”, she says.
In ‘Boys Boys Boys’ she sings “you might like me, but no means no”, and that’s the message of Plan International’s new campaign, launched with a music video for the song.
Music video in Zimbabwe
Iris Gold travelled to Zimbabwe in February 2024 to shoot the music video with Plan International in Zimbabwe. The video was made with the help of a Zimbabwean photographer and features young people who have been victims of violence and who, with the support of Plan International, are now working to ensure that children and young people can grow up free from violence and discrimination.
“Meeting the young people in Zimbabwe made a big impression on me. Their stories of violence sounded very similar to the ones you hear in Denmark. The difference is that they don’t have a welfare society, a hotline for victims of violence or women’s shelters that can help. The fight against violence is global and it makes me proud to be part of Plan International’s work to make the world a safer place for women and children”, says Iris Gold.
The release of the music video for ‘Boys Boys Boys’ marks the start of Iris Gold’s new ambassadorship with Plan International, where she will use her platform and music to speak out about the rights of children and young people.
“At Plan International, we are proud to have Iris Gold on board as an ambassador, and that through her music and her work, she will help focus attention on girls’ and women’s rights around the world. This is both important and courageous work”, says Dorthe Petersen, CEO of Plan International in Denmark.
Violence Against Women Facts
- Globally, 736 million women – almost one in three – have experienced violence at least once in their lives.
- Every hour, more than five girls and women around the world are killed by a partner or family member.
- Every year, 245 million women and girls experience physical or sexual violence by their partners.
- 118,000 women are victims of domestic violence in Denmark every year, and 12 women are killed by their partners in Denmark every year.
Sources: UN Women og danner.dk
Iris Gold
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