As the year 2030 approaches, violence against women and girls continues to be a major threat to the realisation of gender equality and other related sustainable development goals.
While there has been progress in the achievement of gender equality over the last decades, women in their diversity across the world continue to be vulnerable to different forms of violence.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that takes place from November 25 to December 10. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about GBV, challenge retrogressive and discriminatory norms, and call for improved comprehensive services to survivors of violence.
The campaign was first initiated in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership and held by Women's Global Leadership Institute; the theme being 'Violence against women violates human rights'. Each day of the 16 days highlights different concerns affecting women and girls in relation to violence.
The countdown begins from the 16th day down to day 0 with the end goal being zero tolerance for any form of violence against women. The 16 issues are; domestic violence, cyber harassment, femicide, FGM/C, child marriage, violence against refugees, HIV-Aids, violence in menstrual health management, disability-based violence, workplace harassment, violence against children, stigma against survivors, violence among youth, violence in sports, sexual violence and GBV through allyship.
The last day, which is day 0, is focused on demanding zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
Despite the fact that violence against women is one of the most heinous crimes, it is often shrouded in a culture of silence, therefore, going unpunished. The 2022 theme for 16 Days of Activism is 'Unite! Activism to end violence against women and girls'.
This is a moment to advocate the recognition that violence against women is a fundamental violation of human rights and galvanising efforts to end violence against women. The theme colour orange was introduced to represent a brighter future free from violence against women and girls.
Kenya cannot achieve its Vision 2030 without addressing the well-being of women and girls; we call upon the government, NGOs, law enforcers, community gatekeepers, the media and all relevant stakeholders to recommit to ending violence against women by establishing robust prevention systems, strengthening provision of comprehensive health care services and legal support for survivors of violence.
This is possible through increased budgetary allocation for SGBV interventions, training law enforcers and healthcare workers on SGBV responses, strengthening SGBV referral pathways, community awareness, and empowerment programs, among other interventions. Embracing an intersectional and multisector approach will ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against gender-based violence.
Anindo is the Youth project coordinator and Sakini is the Finance assistant at Reproductive Health Network Kenya
