Just 12 hours after watching chaos unfold in Ferguson, I sat in the United Nations for the commemoration of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. Intimate stories of abuse were shared with dignity and received with empathy and respect by those assembled, most wearing orange, a color of hope. Like 1 in 3 women, Teri Hatcher, better known for her role on Desperate Housewives, talked about devastating abuse which silenced her and her family. That ended the day she heard the news of a young woman’s suicide because of the same man, her uncle.  “I am 1 of 3 women & I will be the 1 who yells from the rooftop until violence is not longer part of their story.” Just one of many emotional and inspiring testimonies.

How can we as a community respond to such violence? UN Secretary vowed his continued dedication.  Other dignitaries made promises, shared best practices, and offered solutions, including a worldwide campaign #orangeurhood. We bathed the Empire State Building in orange light. But, I was most heartened by NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray who made history by signing an MOU with the UN making NYC  the first to commit to the “Safe City” Initiative. This and the new #HeforShe campaign are taking direct aim at.

20 years ago, a similar gathering vowed to end violence. We aren’t close enough to that goal, but we have the target in sight; the tools to succeed; the imperative to protect millions of women and children; and the fate of future generations at stake.

This Thanksgiving, I am reflecting on the work ahead and grateful to be part of an extraordinary community of activists who see beyond the horizon and envision a safer, fairer world.