Today marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. A campaign that runs from the 25th November to 10th December. During the 16 days of activism, we see a number of organisations and individuals unite globally to spread awareness on the dangers of GBV and how it has continued to hinder personal and global development for women. Statistics and Stories from personal experiences are shared across all social media platforms and workshops.
However, despite many efforts to combat GBV, violence against women and girls remains the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violation across all nations. Globally, the one thing we can all collectively agree on as women, is that we have all encountered some form of Violence either verbally, physically, sexually or digitally at least once in our lives.
Over the next 16 days, it is important to note that, as commendable and impactful as the activism and awareness will be during this period, our real fight against GBV is the action we take every other day. As we recognise and honour this campaign, may we reflect on the action we took to combat GBV prior to the 25th of November, and come up with ways we will continue to fight this War after the 10th of December.
The violence that women face everyday, has continued to prevail because we continue to stay silent when it matters the most. This year we therefore plead and encourage women and girls to raise their voices and speak out.
We urge for more investment in women empowerment to eliminate the economic vulnerability among women and for extensive implementation of policy that protects women against GBV.
#NoExcuses
#16DaysofActivism
#Womensrights
#Humanrights
