16 days of activism against gender-based violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign is celebrated every 25 November to 10 December. The international campaign originated from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991. The campaign begins every year on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women which was endorsed by the United Nations Resolution 54/134 December 17, 1999. According to global statistics, “more than one in three women have experienced violence— that’s 700 million women, or close to the total population of sub-Saharan Africa. The vast majority of this violence is committed by their husbands or male partners”. Currently, more than 3,700 organizations from approximately 164 countries participate in the campaign annually.
The campaign this year will fall under the theme: Orange the World: #HearMeToo
Why is the 16 Days of Activism important to Arigatou/ NCA
One way AI and NCA advocates against GBV has been through supporting efforts to prevent and respond to GBV as its evident in our work with the REJADH Network which is distributed over five African countries. AI and NCA equips young people with the confidence and knowledge to become agents of change in their own communities and to speak up against GBV. Through the REJADH Network, victims have been able to access counseling and legal assistance. The group has also been able to create awareness in their communities on the dangers of GBV. Arigatou International End Child Poverty Nairobi believes that GBV does not only impact the well-being of individuals and their societies, but it has a devastating effect on children. If children are not protected from this malaise, then our future is not secure.
This year Arigatou International End Child Poverty, Nairobi and Norwegian Church Aid will work together to commemorate this year’s campaign. Under the theme: Orange the World: #HearMeToo AI and NCA will visit rehabilitation centers to listen to victims and to bring global attention to the campaign.
REJADH Network
The African Children and Youth Network for Human Rights /Réseau des Enfants et Jeunes Africains pour les Droits Humains (REJADH) advocates gender equality through the #MythOfMaputo campaign. This Campaign calls for the ratification and full implementation of the Maputo Protocol to address Gender Based Violence and it’s negative impact on children and youth; hence participation in the 16 Days of activism campaign is in line with the REJADH efforts towards elimination of gender based violence and by extension, achievement of SDG5.
Suggested Hashtags.
Be a part of the campaign and celebration by using the hashtag #MythOfMaputo #EndChildViolence, #EndChildPoverty, and #AllforChildren and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our End Child Poverty website.
For more ideas and support, we welcome you to connect with us:
Website: http://endingchildpoverty.org
Facebook: End Child Poverty
Twitter: @IIECP
Instagram: @EndChildPoverty_Arigatou