16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children: A call for unity, resilience, and change

Every year, from 25 November to 10 December, the world unites under the banner of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, a campaign aimed at eradicating the widespread and devastating violence that affects millions globally. In South Africa, the call for action is louder than ever as we stand together to raise awareness, fight back against abuse, and demand justice.

Also read: Forging a path away from GBV

Understanding the 16 Days of Activism

The campaign isn’t just a symbol; it’s a movement of global proportions, one rooted in the urgent need to end violence against women and children. Its origins trace back to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and it ends on Human Rights Day – binding our fight for safety and dignity to the human rights South Africa enshrines in its constitution.

In South Africa, where gender-based violence permeates communities and affects individuals daily, these 16 days remind us that our actions today can lead to a future of respect, safety, and equality. But to reach that future, we must act in this dedicated fortnight and every day.

The causes: more than just individual actions

At its heart, GBV is often tied to systemic issues of power, control, and the status of women in society. South Africa’s struggle with GBV stems from cultural, societal, and economic factors. It isn’t only about physical or sexual violence; abuse can take the form of manipulation, fear, and coercion that strips individuals of their autonomy and dignity.

The power dynamics underpinning these issues go beyond individuals, they are embedded in historical injustices, ongoing inequalities, and social norms. By tackling these root causes, we can break down the structures that make violence seem normal or acceptable. It’s about shifting mindsets as much as it is about legal protections.

Also read: Youth activist in his battle against GBV

Breaking the cycle: laws and collective responsibility

South Africa’s government has made significant strides in creating laws aimed at protecting victims and preventing abuse. From the Domestic Violence Act of 1998 to the Sexual Offences Act, Parliament has crafted tools designed to ensure survivors can find justice and support. But laws are only as effective as the systems that enforce them. It is our collective duty to hold these systems accountable, to demand fair treatment for survivors, and to work tirelessly to eliminate the stigma and silence surrounding abuse.

TEARS Foundation: A lifeline for survivors

One organisation making a significant impact during, and beyond, the 16 Days of Activism is the Tears Foundation. Established in 2012 by Mara Glennie, herself a survivor of gender-based violence, Tears has become a lifeline for individuals across South Africa seeking support, justice, and healing. Based in Benmore Shopping Centre, Sandton, Tears provides accessible, 24/7 assistance through its 1347355# helpline, offering survivors immediate crisis intervention, counselling, and a network of essential resources, including medical, legal, and psychological support. Tears also leads training for law enforcement and community organisations, helping ensure that every survivor finds empathy, safety, and a clear path forward. Their work exemplifies the resilience and community action needed to end the cycle of violence.

What can each of us do?

Ending GBV requires a change in mindset at every level of society, and it needs to start in our homes, workplaces, and communities. We must educate ourselves and others about what abuse looks like because it’s not always visible. It can be economic, psychological, emotional, or a combination of these, often hidden behind closed doors or in manipulative relationships.

One simple but powerful action we can take is to ‘speak up.’ Talking openly about abuse challenges the stigma that keeps it in the shadows. If we witness abuse, we must intervene in safe ways and report the incident. By breaking the silence, we dismantle the isolation that perpetrators rely on to continue their abuse unchecked.

Infographic crime stats

Gauteng Crime Trends: April- June Q1 2023 vs. Q1 2024

• Murder: Decreased by 109 cases, signalling a slight drop in lethal violence.

• Sexual Offences: Minor decline with 13 fewer cases, yet still high at more than 2 300 cases reported.

• Attempted Murder: Declined by 74 cases, but remains a critical issue at over 1,400 incidents.

• Assault with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH): This shows a small drop, with 159 fewer cases but still significant at 8 289 incidents.

• Common Assault: Down by 551 cases, with more than 11 000 incidents still reported.

• Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances: A notable decrease of 983 cases, yet still high with more than 12 000 incidents reported.

Gauteng is seeing some improvements in crime reduction, particularly in serious robberies and assaults. Yet, figures remain high, underlining the need for continued vigilance and safety measures in South Africa’s busiest province.

A united effort beyond 10 December

As the campaign closes on Human Rights Day, we must remember that activism doesn’t end here. The values we champion – dignity, equality, and safety – are year-round imperatives. The real work of the 16 Days of Activism happens not just in public spaces or through campaigns but in how we treat one another daily, in the stories we share, and in the justice we demand.

So, as we raise our voices this year, let us do so in unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to change. Ending violence against women and children in South Africa is possible, but it will require all of us: today, tomorrow, and every day to come. Let us hold tight to that vision of a country where everyone can live free from fear and harm, a place where the rights of women and children are not just protected by law but by the heart of society itself.

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Related article: Police get ready for 16 Days of Activism against GBV