THE 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign takes place between 25 November and 10 December.
The theme is ‘Count Me In: Together Moving a Non-Violent South Africa forward’.
The campaign is an annual drive that is observed globally. Its purpose is to address policy and legal issues; as well as campaign for the protection of survivors of violence and to call for the elimination of all forms of gender violence.
Despite South Africa’s constitutional and legislative protection, violence based on gender and sexual orientation remains at unacceptable levels. The violence takes different forms such as sexual harassment, abuse, assault, rape and corrective rape, domestic violence and other cultural practises that are harmful to women and children.
This year the campaign will encourage a greater participation among men in an effort to prevent violence against women and children. In this regard men will be engaged in various institutional settings and be requested to voice their support for social change.
Young men and boys will be inspired to take action and commit themselves to become activists against gender-based violence. Men who have grown up within abusive family environments will be helped to live healthier, more positive lives.
The start of the campaign coincides with United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and its conclusion coincides with International Human Rights Day. While the international campaign is marked for 16 days, South Africa has chosen the timeframe of 365 days to ensure that it becomes an everyday practise.
This year is the 16th anniversary of the campaign in South Africa. While it began with a focus on gender-based violence, it has evolved to include issues relating to violence against children.
If you are in an abusive relationship or know of someone in one, contact Amanzimtoti Trauma Unit on 031-903-7777 or Kingsburgh Child and Family Welfare Society on 031-916-2274.
