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Guess who’s back back back. Back again gain gain gain., SHAKE is back back back. Tell a friend friend friend.
The SHAKE blog is back in full force and what better time to make our comeback than for our annual RTMXSHAKE 16 days of activism campaign?!
16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is a 16 day annual campaign that calls for the end of gender-based violence! It runs from November 25th (The international day for the elimination of violence against women) - December 10th which is World Human rights day! Makes sense right? I mean gender-based violence is a gross violation of an individual’s human rights!
If you haven’t heard of the campaign or you would like to know more.. Well you’ve come to the right place!! This post is going to tell you what you need to know about the campaign and how you can get involved!
What is 16 Days of Activism?
A collective roar against gender-based violence
16days of activism is not just a stretch on the calendar; it's a collective roar against gender-based violence that echoes across the globe.
The campaign was initiated by the Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and was founded on the principle that violence against women is a violation of human rights. It haas grown into a global call to action, bringing attention to the pervasive issues of gender-based violence and advocating for lasting change.
Gender-based violence: The scope of the problem
736 million women have been subjected to gender-based violence
5 killed every hour
Some statistics
Globally, an estimated 736 million women, that's nearly 1 in 3, have been subjected to gender-based violence at least once in their lifetime
More than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their family
In 2021, nearly 1 in 5 women aged 20-24 were married before turning 18
In some countries, violence against women is estimated to cost countries up to 3.7% of their GDP
The scope of the problem extends far beyond statistics; it is a pervasive societal issue that demands our attention. From intimate partner violence and sexual harassment to human trafficking and harmful cultural practices, gender-based violence takes on various forms, affecting individuals across the globe. The statistics are staggering, revealing not just numbers but the lived experiences of countless individuals who endure physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Beyond the visible manifestations, this subheading delves into the root causes, shedding light on societal norms, power imbalances, and harmful stereotypes that perpetuate such violence.
By exploring the multifaceted dimensions of gender-based violence, we gain a deeper understanding of its impact on individuals and communities, emphasizing the urgency of collective action to address and eradicate this pervasive problem.
What can you do?
Stand up, speak out, and be a part of the change!
Violence is both empowering and essential. Whether you're an individual, a community member, or part of an organization, there are numerous ways to contribute to this impactful movement.
Start by staying informed; educate yourself and others about the various forms of gender-based violence and the importance of gender equality.
Engage in conversations on social media using relevant hashtags, share informative content, and amplify the voices of survivors and activists.
Participate in local events, workshops, or webinars organized by community groups or NGOs focused on gender equality.
Consider supporting organizations that work directly on the frontlines against gender-based violence through donations or volunteering.
Take the initiative to raise awareness in your workplace or educational institution by organizing discussions or events.
Above all, never underestimate the power of your voice and actions—each small effort contributes to the collective strength of the movement to eliminate gender-based violence. Stand up, speak out, and be a part of the change!
Thank you all for reading! Let's put an end to GBV togther!
All our love,
SHAKE Africa
Xx
References:
2023, 10 November (2023) In focus: 16 Days of activism against gender-based violence, UN Women – Headquarters. Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/in-focus/2023/11/in-focus-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvJarBhA1EiwAGgZl0I_1zrvrpqhqNKTCIVZCZ6Aa9EOqh_z79Yw01Jf4z4pyA1dP2Gp1IhoCKtAQAvD_BwE (Accessed: 28 November 2023).
Unite to end violence against women campaign. UN Women – Headquarters. Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/unite?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvJarBhA1EiwAGgZl0BVeEqR-DvrVb4UnkdCTh46wQtTeKOSD0ruhXIb534ORtSrtVkj-jBoCe0AQAvD_BwE (Accessed: 28 November 2023).