South Africans again joined the global community to mark the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign, now in its 27th year, between November 25 and December 10.

The international campaign, observed annually from the International Day of No Violence against Women to International Human Rights Day, continues to shine a stark light on the persistent and devastating scourge of GBVF.

This year’s theme, Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end GBVF, emphasises collective action.

It was inspired by the Positive Masculinity Dialogue that took place alongside the G20 Ministerial Meeting. The theme aims to strengthen partnerships and build on global commitments to tackle GBVF across all spheres of society.

A crisis that demands national action

With GBVF declared a national crisis in SA, government efforts have intensified since the announcement of the Emergency Response Action Plan in 2019.

The 16 Days Campaign now forms the backbone of the broader 365 Days of Activism, encouraging year-round engagement rather than short-term awareness.

Local communities, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and the private sector are urged to host dialogues, marches, awareness drives and community outreaches across the country. These activities are aimed at strengthening the social fabric, challenging harmful norms, and supporting survivors.

Commemorating key dates

The campaign period also includes two significant global observances that serve as reminders of the interconnectedness between vulnerability, discrimination, inequality and violence:

• December 1 – World Aids Day;

• December 3 – International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

What can communities do?

The government is calling on every South African to become an activist in their homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods.

Communities are encouraged to:

• challenge cultural norms and practices that fuel inequality and abuse;

• refuse to shield abusers, report violence and take a stand;

• support survivors with empathy, information and solidarity;

• sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence and actively promote non-violence;

• teach children the values of respect and gender equality.

• protect young people from harmful online content and unsafe environments;

• seek help for harmful behaviours, including substance abuse;

• organise community dialogues focusing on prevention and solutions;

• develop workplace and community policies that address and prevent GBV.

A call to collective responsibility

While the government continues to invest in prevention and response programmes, officials emphasise that ending GBVF requires collective responsibility.

Every household, street, school, workplace and faith community has a role to play.

As the 16 Days Campaign begins, South Africans are urged to recommit to building safer communities and breaking the cycles of silence and stigma that allow violence to thrive.

Together, Letsema, individuals are encouraged to work hand in hand to end violence against women and children.