16 days of Activism: Act Against Abuse

This is an international campaign seeking to raise awareness and mobilise solidarity with women exposed to abuse and violence, more often than not perpetrated against them by men. The United Nations officially recognised 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. South Africa is proud to have participated in this campaign since 1998 and have been using this period to raise public awareness around the violation of the rights of women and children.

Government works closely with business, civil society organisations, state-owned enterprises, faith-based organisations and the media with the long-term objective of changing behaviour and eradicating all forms of violence and abuse of women and children. Stakeholders in this campaign include:

• The Department of Correctional Services, as the lead department, works closely with other departments in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security, Social cluster, Office on the Status of Women in The Presidency, the Office on the Status of Disabled Persons, and the Office on the Status of Children as well as other government departments. Government Communications (GCIS) is responsible for co-ordinating the communication around the Campaign.

  The purpose of the campaign is, among others, to:

• increase awareness among South Africans on the occurrences of violence against women and children. Therefore, maximise partnerships between government and all sectors of society to spread the message
• encourage behaviour change by perpetrators and engage men and boys to encourage them to help combat this form of violence
• reach out to women and children in rural areas with our messages
• highlight the stories of survivors of gender-based violence.

This year, the campaign communication approach includes convening izimbizo with deliberate bias towards LSM groups and rural environments. Government across all three spheres will organise activities across the country to highlight the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

All of us can make a difference. Let us support the campaign by wearing the white ribbon during the 16-days period. Let us also act against abuse by blowing the whistle on perpetrators and giving advice to those who need it in order for them to get help.

You can also contribute towards the postcard campaign by distributing these in your community and ensuring that it is signed and posted post free. There is also an SMS campaign, whereby you can SMS 16 days to the number 31616. The charge is only R5. Various prizes including cellphones, play stations and games can be won when you SMS.

All monies raised will be forwarded to the Foundation for Human Rights. They will channel the monies towards organisations caring for and supporting surviving victims of violence and abuse.

Take part in these campaigns and make a difference towards this noble course. Wear a white ribbon throughout the campaign to show your support. The white ribbon symbolises peace. Peace as a word has a similar meaning to most people around the globe and it can be interpreted as forgiveness, happiness, well-being, tranquility, freedom, calmness, reconciliation and progress. It is all about making the world a great place to live in. Any person who wears a white ribbon will depict not only a positive attitude to life but will also make a pledge to make South Africa at peace with itself.

The 16 days campaign will be launched in Kwazulu Natal on the 25th November under the theme "Partnerships for Peace". The President will deliver the keynote address. The closing ceremony tales place in the North West and will be addressed by the Deputy President.

There will also be the "Torch of Peace" that will form a link between the 16 Days of Activism Campaign and other major national campaigns that support the thematic programmes of Government's national outreach activities. The President will receive the "Torch of Peace" in Kwazulu Natal at the Launch Ceremony. Then at the closing ceremony, the Deputy President will hand it over to the Minister of Transport marking the transition from the 16 Days of Activism Campaign into government's "Arrive Alive Campaign" and the process will go on all year.

For more activities please visit the website www.womensnet.org.za.

The rights of women and children are fundamental human rights enshrined in South Africa's Constitution. Together let us protect these rights and Act Against Abuse!

Issued by:

Deputy Director: Fanie Ngoma
Strategy, Coordination and Liaison
Government and Media Liaison
GCIS: Government Communication and Media Liaison
Email: fanie@gcis.gov.za