16 Days of Activism empower women to build resilience

GEORGE NEWS - It's the time of the year again where the focus is placed on gender-based violence, femicide, child abuse and the women and children who have lost their lives to these ills of society.

This week, the world will once again rally for the annual 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days of Activism) from Friday 25 November until 10 December.

The theme for this year's campaign is "Socio-economic rights and empowerment to build women's resilience against GBV and femicide: connect, collaborate, contract".

From April to June this year, 855 women and 243 children were killed in South Africa. Over 11 000 cases of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) against female victims were opened with the police. 1 670 such cases involved children.

This is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually and focuses on raising awareness of the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society.

Help is available

Unfortunately, victims of GBV are sometimes scared to report incidents to the police. However, the law is there to protect them and they can obtain a protection order or lay criminal charges against their perpetrators.

Victims can also stay with friends or family or go to Famsa or to the nearest police station for help. Phambili Refuge centre can also be contacted on 044 875 1551, or the Thuthuzela Care Centre on 044 802 4429.

During the pandemic, Thuthuzela also established a WhatsApp victim empowerment line where a victim can reach out, ask questions, get information and book sessions with counsellors. Make use of this line on 060 870 3210.

How you can help

Reject and report abusers
Do not protect abusers - report them!
Sign the pledge against GBV. Do not engage in abusive activities and so become an abuser yourself.
Challenge and denounce cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities.
Be sensitive and supportive to GBV victims - share helpful information and support causes near you.
Seek personal help to change harmful behaviours such as alcohol and substance abuse.
Teach children values of gender equality.
Protect children from exposure to violence and harmful content on internet and social media, including pornography and sexual solicitation.
Develop policies that prevent and deal with gender-based violence in your sector, workplace and communities.
Organise targeted community outreach and dialogues on solution towards a gender equal society.

Annual memorial service

Every year for the past 18 years, founder of God Cares Inter-national (GCI) Debbie Pijoos and her team in George have been holding a memorial service for the many victims who have died at the hand of gender-based violence.

This year the service, which will also be the launch of their 16 Days campaign, will be held in Syferfontein on Thursday 24 November and it starts at 12:00.

"We have the memorial service every year to let people know that these victims did not die for nothing. Members of the community who have lost someone to GBV are welcome to join the event and light a candle in commemoration of their loved ones," says Pijoos.

"GBV is one of the biggest things that threaten communities and family life. As GCI, and as part of the community, we have to stand with the survivors and their families. We have to have empathy, care and compassion for those in need and in pain due to GBV.

"GBV robs not only the victim, but also the perpetrator of having a chance on a good life. Most of all, it affects the children who are orphaned. With GBV no one wins and we constantly have to think of ways to stop it before it happens and understand why it is happening. Then only will be be able to win this war."

Incidents of GBV should be reported to the police.