This week, the St. Stephen’s School community united in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed around the world on November 25th.
This annual day of awareness serves as a global call to action—reminding us that gender-based violence continues to affect millions of women and girls, and that education, empathy, and advocacy are essential in creating lasting change.
Across campus, students, teachers, and staff wore shades of red, orange, and purple to honor the day and stand in solidarity with survivors. Many also added a vivid slash of red lipstick to their cheeks, a striking visual symbol that underscores the urgency of confronting and ending violence against women. These simple yet powerful gestures transformed our campus into a collective statement of awareness and support.
The participation of our school community reflects St. Stephen’s ongoing commitment to fostering empathy, social responsibility, and a deep understanding of the issues that shape our world. By taking part in this initiative, our students demonstrated that even small actions can amplify important messages and help shift perspectives. Their engagement shows that raising awareness is not passive—it is an essential step toward creating safer, more equitable communities.
We extend our sincere thanks to the members of the Embrace Everyone club for organizing this meaningful event and encouraging our community to stand together with purpose and compassion. We are also grateful to SSS parent Anne Sibireff for her powerful artwork, which will be displayed on campus throughout the year as a continued reminder of the importance of this cause.
At St. Stephen’s, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Recognizing days like this not only deepens our students’ understanding of global challenges but also empowers them to become advocates for justice, equity, and human dignity—values that lie at the heart of our mission.
