16 Days of Activism 2022

16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and child abuse: the South African perspective

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, International Human Rights Day. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

In support of this civil society initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE campaign) calls for global actions to increase awareness, galvanise advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations.

The global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will run from 25 November to 10 December 2022, is “UNiTE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.

South Africa is a beautiful country and South Africans love it. But the violence against women as a scourge continues to engulf South Africa and has become gruesome and violent, the official sexual statistics seem to be decreasing, but they remain unacceptably high. The fact that our statistics do not have a sex segregation data component is still a challenge. A significant number of women and children across the world experience violence every day. Women and children often experience serious forms of violence such as domestic violence. Violence can also be economic, emotional, and psychological and consist of verbal abuse, criticism, isolation, threats, harassment, and stalking. Perpetrators and victims come from all walks of life. It is not only survivors who suffer, children who witness violence are also traumatized.

Violence against women affects women of all ages and backgrounds, though some are particularly vulnerable. Over and above violence targeting women in general, South Africans have witnessed violence against children and marginalized communities. Unfortunately, violence against women is often considered a private issue and many women are reluctant to report it or are discouraged from doing so by their family or community or the criminal justice system might further victimise victims termed as secondary victimisation.

Victims and survivors of GBV are often helpless and traumatised. Most often, they find it difficult to live a normal life. It is very expedient to be familiar with the various types of GBV commonly perpetrated in South Africa.

Child maltreatment in South Africa

By drawing on the growing body of evidence that has deepened our understanding of violence and how to prevent it, people with the power to influence child-wellbeing at a national level can turn scientific evidence into effective policy. With the right support and investment, middle-income countries like South Africa are well-positioned to lead the way in this endeavour.

As a society, we need to make it our mission to dismantle violence against women and children. If you or someone you know are falling victim to violence, do not hesitate to contact us.

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