16 days of activism begins
JOBURG - South Africa launches their annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
The campaign, more commonly known as 16 Days of Activism begins on 25 November and will run until 10 December.
It was first initiated in 1991 and the aim of the campaign is to create awareness regarding the issues faced by women and children in society, with emphasis on abuse – which may occur verbally, emotionally or physically.
The campaign also aims to eradicate violence in homes.
This year the South African government wants everyone to get involved and will therefore run the campaign under the theme Count me in: together moving a non-violent South Africa forward.
The campiagn is launched on this day each year because 25 November is also International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
South Africa only adopted the campaign in 1998 as one of the intervention strategies towards creating a society free of violence.
The government maintains the viewpoint that violence against women and children can be prevented be everyone who adopts a few simple strategies.
- Wear a white ribbon to show your participation and support for the cause.
- Participate in the various 16 Days of Activism events and activities.
- Volunteer in support of NGOs and community groups that aim to combat violence against women and children during the 16 Days of Activism and even afterwards.
- Speak out against woman and child abuse.
- Show your solidarity against women and child abuse by actively participating in 16 Days of Activism.
Details: www.gov.za
