November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, a date that reminds us of the urgent need to act to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence. At the Rafa Nadal Foundation, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting equality, respect, and the development of safe environments for women, girls, and adolescents.
What do we mean by violence against women and girls?
Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent, and devastating violations of human rights in the world. According to the 1993 UN Declaration, this violence includes acts that cause physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering, as well as threats, coercion, or deprivation of liberty, both in public and private life.
Forms of violence include:
• Intimate partner violence: physical, psychological abuse, and assault.
• Sexual violence and harassment: forced sexual acts, child abuse, forced marriage, street and cyber harassment.
• Human trafficking: sexual exploitation and slavery.
• Female genital mutilation.
• Child marriage.
This violence not only impacts women’s physical and psychological health but also affects their education and opportunities, creating a significant barrier to equality and the respect for human rights.
Additionally, certain women and girls in vulnerable situations face a higher risk.
The impact on our communities: Family Days
At the Rafa Nadal Foundation, we witness how intrafamily issues and violence can severely affect children’s development. In our Rafa Nadal Foundation Centers (CFRN) in Palma, Valencia, and Madrid, we work daily to offer comprehensive support to families and promote healthy, safe, and respectful dynamics.
Through our Family Days, we encourage the participation of children, adolescents, and their families in sports and educational activities designed to:
• Strengthen family bonds.
• Raise awareness of critical social issues such as gender-based violence, bullying, addictions, effective communication, and mutual respect, among others.
• Follow up on specific cases related to intrafamily problems, including gender violence.
These sessions not only provide an opportunity to educate and prevent but also to identify specific needs and offer social support through our team. This support includes managing social aid, guidance for migrants, and even assistance in filing complaints related to gender violence, abuse, or any other situation affecting the child and their family.
Participation in Family Days is a requirement for children and adolescents in our program to continue attending activities throughout the school year. It also ensures their placement in Special Schools during summer, Christmas, and Easter holidays—times when family-work balance is particularly challenging, and we offer healthy leisure plans for children.
Sports as a transformative tool
Sports play a crucial role in our project. Beyond its physical and emotional health benefits, it fosters stronger, more respectful communities. Morning activities like swimming, Nordic walking, Pilates, yoga, aerobics, padel, and functional training are especially appreciated by mothers of beneficiaries who attend regularly. This not only improves their well-being but also strengthens their connection to the project and creates a more positive environment for them and their children.
Our commitment to a future free of violence
Eradicating violence against women and girls is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring that no one is left behind. At the Rafa Nadal Foundation, we remain dedicated to building safe environments and supporting those who need it most.
Together, we can create a fairer, more equal, and safer world for all women, girls, and adolescents.
