16 Days of Activism: 11 ways you can take part

South Africans are urged to support the campaign by wearing a white ribbon, a symbol of peace – during the 16-day period to symbolise their commitment to never commit or condone violence against women or children.

1. Speak out against woman and child abuse. Encourage silent female victims to challenge abuse, and ensure that they get help. Report child abuse to the police immediately. Encourage children to report bullying behaviour to school authorities.
2. Men are critical partners in the fight against the abuse of women and children. Men and boys are encouraged to talk about abuse and actively discourage abusive behaviour.
3. Families must stick together to create a safe environment for women and children.
4. Parents and adults can make sure that children are not exposed to inappropriate sexual and violent material.
5. Volunteer some of your time and energy in support of a non- governmental organisation or community group working in your area to help abused women and children. Use your life skills and knowledge to help support victims of abuse.
6. Donate some money to organisations working to end violence against women and children by making a contribution to the Foundation for Human Rights. Tel: 011 339 5560/1/2/3/4/5.
7. Engage in online dialogues such as the Cyber Dialogues organised by Gender Links – see www.genderlinks.org.za – which provides a platform to share issues and experiences and offer solutions, with experts participating in the online chats. Gender Links also offers way for you to support recent survivors or gender-based violence. See the online pledge form.
8. Get connected with important contacts and information published on www.womensnet.org.za.
9. Seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner and/or children. Call the Stop Gender Based Violence helpline on 0800 150 150.
10. Report illegal guns to the police – according to the International Action Network on Small Arms Women’s Network, women are three times more likely to die violently if there is a gun in the home.
11. Join a community policing forum (CPF) or community safety forum (CSF) to help fight crime in your area. For information on how to join, contact your local police station.

Information Supplied by: southafrica.info