We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
For every woman and girl violently attacked, we reduce our humanity. For every woman forced into unprotected sex because men demand this, we destroy dignity and pride. Every woman who has to sell her life for sex we condemn to a lifetime in prison. For every moment we remain silent, we conspire against our women. For every woman infected by HIV, we destroy a generation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the collective responsibility to fight against violence and injustice towards women.
Nelson Mandela's quote highlights the profound moral implications of violence against women, suggesting that such acts not only harm individuals but also erode our humanity as a society. He calls attention to the systemic issues of forced sexuality, exploitation, and silence, asserting that every act of violence diminishes our collective dignity and pride, while inaction contributes to the ongoing oppression of women and the loss of future generations.
Themes
ViolenceWomenDignitySexHumanityJusticeSilenceResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on women's rights, this quote can inspire action against gender-based violence.
More from Nelson Mandela
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I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
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