25 November - 10 December

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

Given the scourge of Gender-Based violence in the country, which is declared a national address, government is implementing the Emergency Response Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), which was announced by President Cyril in September 2019.

The 16 Days Campaign forms the centre point of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

During the 16 Days period, Government together with civil society and the private sector will host a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with GBVF.

Be an activist against GBVF in your homes, communities, work and positions:

Challenge practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and consequent abuse of women and children at personal and societal level.
Reject and report abusers- don’t look away!
Do not protect abusers, report them!
Sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence.
Do not engage in abusive activities and become an abuser- Stop abuse.
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.
Help develop policies that prevent and deal with gender-based violence in your sector, workplace and communities.

COVID-19 has presented us with new challenges which call for individual and collective solutions. Let’s continue our efforts all year round from 16 to 365 days of activism, to advance the human rights of women. A world without violence is possible and this moment demands unparalleled courage and joint action to make this vision a reality.

What should you do if you experience Gender-Based Violence?

In recent years South Africa has been brought to a standstill more than once because of the country’s cases of gender-based violence(GBV) and femicide(GBVF).

Experiencing any form of GBV can result in trauma, and it is essential that you take care of yourself before you decide to do anything else.

Here are three key things to consider if you’ve recently experienced assault or abuse:

If you are in immediate danger or are seriously hurt, contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) for urgent assistance. Not only should the police be able to pursue the case, but they can also connect you to a medical professional and a trained counsellor if you require one.
Get yourself to a safe place and out of danger as soon as you can. If you cannot do this yourself, consider reaching out to someone you trust who can assist and support you.
Consider receiving immediate medical assistance from a hospital or clinic to make sure that you have not been seriously injured and, if needed, to conduct an assault forensics exam. Hospitals and clinics can also help you report the case if that is something that you wish to do.

Where you can go

If you have no place to turn to and there is nobody around that you trust to support you, then consider reaching out to a shelter. There are many shelters for women and children who have experienced abuse across the country. A number of these shelters offer more than refuge for victims of GBV, they are safe places where women are able to find empowerment and regain self-worth.

For urgent counselling services you can reach out to the national Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC), a 24-hour call centre established by the Department of Social Development, that offers immediate trauma counselling and assistance. The GBVCC can also reach out to other resources on your behalf and put you in contact with a social worker or trained counsellor.

Opening up about violence is a difficult and emotional process, you can also consider reaching out to people you trust; this can range from family members, to colleagues, or even to a close neighbour to help you through the incident. Receiving the support of someone you already trust is an important reminder that you are not alone and can be helpful when it comes to taking other forms of action.

Once you have reached out to someone you trust, you can then consider further counselling options as well as legal actions to take if you want to.

There are many national organisations and programmes that offer both legal and emotional counselling services for those who have experienced any form of GBV.

Together, let’s take action to support the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.