The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign, which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). #unmaskGBV #365daysofnoviolence
Given the scourge of Gender-Based violence in the country and the direct link between GBV and child-maltreatment, the 16 Days campaign forms the centre point for the 365 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children. We managed to curb the COVID pandemic in South Africa, but gender-based violence is out of control. 1 in 3 women globally are victims of GBV. South Africa’s average is 5 times higher than that. We need to take action and stop the monster that is killing South Africa’s women, children and vulnerable people. We need to foster a collaborative effort in our communities in dealing with Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and child abuse.
Therefore, we’ve decided on the following theme for this year’s campaign:
WALK OUT OF DARKNESS
UNMASK THE HIDDEN PANDEMIC OF VIOLENCE
PROGRAM FOR THE 16 DAYS:
| NAME OF ACTIVITY | DATE | OBJECTIVE OF ACTIVITY | TARGETED NUMBER OF PEOPLE | AREA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Int. Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women & Children | 25 Nov | Raise awareness of violence against women and children | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Fridays in Black | 25 Nov 2 Dec 9 Dec | Show solidarity with victims and survivors of GBV and abuse | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| OCSEA – Online exploitation of children | 26 Nov | Unmask OCSEA – Disrupting Harm of exploit-tation | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Prayer services and Candle light vigils | 27 Nov 4 Dec | Pray for victims of GBV and abuse & Remembrance | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Protest marches or “loud” awareness activities, e.g. loud fences, loud trees, etc. | 28 Dec | UNMASKing the hidden pandemic and silence about GBV and child abuse | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Mobilize Men | 29 Nov | Mobilize men to address their peers against GBV | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Change culture about rape | 30 Nov | Awareness in communities | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| World Aids Day | 1 Dec | Focus on Aids and STD’s | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Focus on abuse of older persons | 2 Dec | Protection of vulnerable groups such as older persons | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Int. Day for Persons with Disabilities (and Black Friday) | 3 Dec | Focus on vulnerable groups, i.e. disability | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Protest marches or “loud” awareness activities, e.g. loud fences, loud trees, etc. | 5 Dec | UNMASKing the hidden pandemic and silence about GBV and child abuse | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Reporting of Abuse and Helplines | 6 Dec | Focus on support and help for victims of GBV and Child Abuse | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Hand signal for Help | 7 Dec | Focus on support and help for victims of GBV and VAC | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Link between GBV and child trauma (ACE’s) | 8 Dec | Highlight the overlaps between VAW (Violence against Women) and VAC (Violence against Children) | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| Kindness projects | 9 Dec | Raise awareness on kindness, support a victim of GBV or child abuse | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
| International Human Rights Day | 10 Dec | Awareness on the right to safety | Viral reach Branches’ programs | Online, i.e. Facebook, Instagram & web page |
PLAY YOUR PART:
- Distribute pamphlets on the International hand sign to signal for help. Distribute pamphlets + video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUJV-9wvdB8&t=30s
- Celebrate International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
- Be an activist against GBV in your homes, communities, work and positions
- Act – don’t look away!
- Do not protect abusers – report them!
- Challenge and denounce cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities
- Be sensitive and supportive to GBV victims – share helpful information and support causes near you.
- Teach children values of gender equality, respect and dignity.
- Protect children from exposure to violence and harmful content on internet and social media, including pornography and sexual solicitation
- Organise targeted community outreach and dialogues on solutions towards a gender equal society
- Keep raising awareness to unmask gender-based violence, online exploitation and abuse and offer support to victims.
- Wear and distribute white ribbons
Let us do all we can to protect, educate and address GBV. This pandemic needs to be UNMASKED and moved from the darkness to the light!
