UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls
16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence is an international campaign, this year, observed from November 25 to December 16.
THE international cry for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is: ‘UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls’. Set to start on November 25 and continue until December 16, the international campaign aims to eliminate violence against women and children.
According to the UN women, the campaign was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991.
ALSO READ: NPA welcomes amended legislation to fight GBV
“It continues to be coordinated each year by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world, to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.”
In awareness of this campaign, the South African Government said they are implementing the Emergency Response Action Plan, which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September 2019.
ALSO READ: SAPS arrest 244 suspects for GBV crimes despite campaign to end violence
“During the 16 days, the government, together with civil society and the private sector, will host a series of community and sector dialogue and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with gender-based violence.”
They further urged the public to be activists against GBV in their homes, communities, work and positions. They said this can be done by challenging cultures and practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and consequent abuse of women and children at personal and societal levels.
They gave the following guidelines for the community to follow to combat GBV:
- Reject and report abusers – act and don’t look away!
- Do not protect abusers – report them!
- Sign the Pledge against Gender-Based Violence. Do not engage in abusive activities and become an abuser – stop abuse.
- Challenge and denounce cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities.
- Be sensitive with and supportive of GBV victims – share helpful information and support causes near you.
ALSO READ: The Open Door Crisis Care Centre shelters men, women and children from harm
- Seek personal help to change harmful behaviours, such as alcohol and substance abuse.
- Teach children values of gender equality.
- Protect children from exposure to violence and harmful content on the internet and social media, including pornography and sexual solicitation.
- Develop policies that prevent and deal with gender-based violence in your sector, workplace and communities.
- Organise targeted community outreach and dialogues on solutions towards a gender-equal society.
Together, let us take action to support the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
