Gender-based violence is one of many social scourges we are constantly dealing with and fighting against as a country. It is a pressing issue that affects women, children and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Every year for the months of November and December, social and human rights activists like the UN Women and Amnesty International mobilise their various countries towards raising awareness for a global campaign known as the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

But what is it, really? And how can people get involved?

The 16 Days of Activism campaign is an annual global initiative aimed at mobilising masses, raising awareness and advocating for the end of violence towards women and children. This awareness also extends to many other forms of violence, especially towards marginalised groups, addressing problems like femicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, and hate crimes.

The campaign began in June 1991 when the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership, alongside other humanitarians from the very first Women’s Global Institute on Women, Violence and Human Rights, called for a global event to hold space, conversations and come up with solutions on the hardships women face.

In 1998, in the efforts to tackle gender-based violence, the South African government adopted the campaign and encouraged citizens and organisations to take up their cause; something that has taken a life of its own to this day. Activists continue to urge political representatives and institutions to implement laws that will eradicate this problem on a permanent scale, as well as providing support for victims and survivors.

In its quest to eradicate gender-based violence globally, the initiative also acknowledges the nuances that exist within the machinery of violence, which is why the 16 days encompass other days like International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25th, which is the first day of 16 Days of Activism) and December 10th (which is when it ends, on Human Rights Day.) This timeline highlights the connection between GBV (gender-based violence) and human rights, especially consider that World AIDS Day is commemorated on the 1st of December—South African human rights activists understand that links between GBV and public health problems can be explored, and people can be implored to look within and be engaged through local events aimed at educating them about their lives, health and their rights.

The players or stakeholders behind this campaign hold marches, panel discussions, workshops and media tours to spread the word and reach more people beyond the civil society organisations already doing the work, because ending gender-based violence begins with equipping everyday people with the tools knowledge to understand the urgency of the problem.

The goal is to turn awareness into action and eventually create a society where everyone can live free from violence. Ending GBV is not just a women’s issue; it’s a human rights necessity. By challenging society’s beliefs and attitudes towards violence, one needs to acknowledge the problem and work towards educating people on solutions. Anyone can contribute to this goal by attending events, donating to organisations supporting survivors of gender-based violence and using their platforms to advocate for change.

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