GEORGE NEWS - The global 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence (GBV) marks a crucial international period dedicated to advocating for an end to violence against women and children. The international campaign starts on 25 November and ends on International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Across diverse countries and cultures, increased action is imperative to ensure that women, encompassing their diverse backgrounds, live free from violence and coercion. Violence has long-term impacts on physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health.
Local events
George Child and Family Welfare has first-hand experience of the havoc GBV wreaks in our communities. Throughout the year, this child protection and family welfare organisation hosts several awareness programmes to share vital information about services available to victims of abuse and their families.
In October, the organisation's Buddy afterschool programme started with GBV awareness, specifically targeting the youth aged 13 to 17 years. To raise awareness for 16 Days of Activism, the organisation will join hands with Phambili and local police to present an awareness programme for local women on 1 December.
Throughout the duration of 16 Days of Activism, the organisation's staff will proudly wear their orange ribbons as a symbol of support to women and children who may feel hopeless, not knowing where their help will come from.
The Pacaltsdorp Minister Fraternal, God Cares Internasional and the Communty Police Forum (CPF) wil be hosting a launch for 16 Days of Activism on Saturday 25 November. This is God Cares' 19th year of facilitating this awareness campaign. This year, joined by the Pacaltsdorp CPF, participants will gather at the entrance of Dellville Park at 08:00 from where they will proceed to AFM Pacaltsdorp.
Here Deborah Pijoos from God Cares will facilitate a memorial service for victims who succumbed to the hands of GBV. Anyone who has lost a loved one can light a candle their memory.
The St. Albans Anglican Church in Pacaltsdorp, joined by Legally you and Thuthuzela Care Centre will be hosting their 'Walk a Mile in her Shoes' march and information session against GBV on Saturday 25 November. The following day a victim will share her story with the congregation. Throughout the event Thuthuzela will also host training sessions about GBV, be present at roadblocks and distributing pamphlets in the Garden Route Mall and the CBD.
Their 16 Days campaign will end with a memorial church service for victims of GBV at the St. Albans Church at 15:00 on 10 December.
Help is available
Sadly, 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.
God Cares International can be contacted on 072 301 9767, Phambili Refuge Centre can be contacted on 044 875 1551, and the Thuthuzela Care Centre on 044 802 4429.
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.
The prevailing tendency to blame or shame victims in response to violence, or the reluctance to offer support, hinders progress. Photo: Pexels.com
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 against 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 outreaches and dialogues on solutions towards a gender equal society
Key messages
• GBV is a global priority for public health, gender equality and human rights, affecting one in three women worldwide
• Risks escalate during humanitarian emergencies or when women encounter restrictions on their essential rights, such as education, health care or freedom of movement
• While violence impacts women universally, those in specific groups, such as women with disabilities, adolescent girls, and older women often struggle even more to have their voices heard and access support
• The prevailing tendency to blame or shame victims in response to violence, or the reluctance to offer support, hinders progress. It is essential to change this narrative, challenge misogyny and violence, and ensure that women and girls can access the necessary assistance to end violence permanently
• Health workers frequently serve as the initial, sometimes sole, point of contact for women experiencing violence. Investment in training and resources is crucial to providing compassionate care, including first-line support, medical examinations, treatment and referrals to other essential services.
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