As many enjoy the hype that comes with the build-up to the festive season one should still be reminded about the historical peak of domestic violence at this time.
During this period the country embarks on the annual initiative of 16 Days of Activism Against the Abuse of Women and Children, where all citizens are made aware of the scourge of gender-based violence in society. The 16 Days of Activism campaign began on Thursday, 25 November, and ends on Friday, 10 December. The theme for this year is: “16 Days of Activism – moving from awareness to accountability”. The campaign is championed by Faith Action to End GBV, a collective of faith-based organisations and individuals who are running an extensive campaign around the theme #faithingenderjustice. The collective is co-ordinated by We Will Speak Out SA, funded by the GBV Solidarity Fund and endorsed by UN Women.
Faith Action to End GBV spokesperson, Daniela Gennrich, said: “Together with other faith partners, some are developing an innovative, year-long Faith Leaders Gender Transformation Programme. The Faith Action to End GBV Collective has embarked on, not a 16-day campaign, but a 120-day campaign, during which we begin with reflecting on our own lives through writing letters to ourselves joining a UN Women Campaign, listening to one another’s stories, and re-imagining what a gender-just, violence-free future looks like and what part each individual can play in bringing that about for 365 days of every year to come.” She said the rights of women and children are fundamental human rights protected by the national Constitution. “Gender-based and child violence, in all its forms, devalues human dignity and the self-worth of the abused person and must be stopped in our society. The campaign can only succeed if we stand together to safeguard our society against this cycle of abuse. Statistics tell us that two in three women report they or someone they know have experienced violence during the Covid-19 lockdown.” Gennrich said tackling GBV, like so many social ills, feels like an overwhelming task, but if small and meaningful steps are taken, through prayer and action, communities can make a difference.
