Show Your Support for 16 Days of Activism

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an awareness campaign that runs annually from 25 November to 10 December. This campaign aims to spread awareness about gender-based violence, abuse and its negative impact on society.

Objectives of the 16 Days campaign

The South African Government lists the following objectives of this year’s 16 Days campaign:

  • Focus on gender-based violence as a societal issue, as opposed to a Government or criminal justice system issue.
  • Expand accountability to include all Government clusters, not only the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster.
  • Encourage all South Africans to take part in the fight to eradicate violence against women and children.
  • Mobilise communities to take responsibility for preventing violence against women and children.

How to Get Involved

  • Volunteer: Contribute some of your time and energy to helping out at a charity, NGO or community group in your area, which focuses on empowering women or protecting children.
  • Donate: Give a monetary donation to a local organisation working against gender-based violence and child abuse, such as the Foundation for Human Rights.
  • Wear your ribbon: Buy and wear an official white ribbon, to show your support for the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November. The white ribbon symbolises peace and non-violence.
  • Educate yourself: Read up on how the 16 Days of No Violence originated, or visit the UN Women Network online, to find out more about the issues facing women in today’s society.
  • Act as a mentor or role model: Get involved in a programme that allows you to mentor and support girls and young women.
  • Turn to LifeAssist. Become a survivor of abuse – or speak out if you suspect abuse. LifeAssist can provide you with the information and guidance you need. Call LifeAssist on your dedicated Employee Wellbeing number.

This year, keep a lookout for events in your city that will give you a chance to show your support for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Sources

SA Government – 16 Days of Activism. Retrieved from: https://www.gov.za/16DaysofActivism2018