George Municipality Launches 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, George Municipality is set to launch a series of impactful events in a Summit that will take place on 24 November 2023 in Uniondale. The summit is aimed at sensitising the community about the impact gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on the community and victims.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations campaign, which is held annually from 25 November, an International Day for No Violence Against Women, to 10 December, an International Human Rights Day. Other key commemorative days observed annually during these 16 days include World Aids Day on 1 December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.
This year marks the 25th anniversary since South Africa initiated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The 16 Days campaign focuses on raising awareness of the devastating impact that GBVF has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society.
The launch of the 16 Days of Activism
According to the George Municipality’s Social Development Services, the different stakeholders will during the launch each get an opportunity to inform the community of their role and the impact they made on minimising/eradicating gender-based violence (GBV). Another highlight during the summit features a GBV victim who will share her story and the effect GBV had on herself and her children. The launch takes place on Friday, 24 November 2023 between 10:00 and 14:00.
March & Programme
The launch is preceded by a March that will take place on Thursday, 23 November 2023 between 10:00 and 14:00 by the Haarlem Community Members of Haarlem and surrounding farms. The aim is to march to raise awareness about gender-based violence against women and children. There will be education and awareness programmes in the Community Hall to educate and sensitize the community.
Educational Programme
On Monday, 27 November 2023 between 10:00 and 13:00, the George Municipality in partnership with Huis Outeniqua will host an Educational Programme at Huis Outeniqua. The programme, which entails education, motivation and life skills is aimed to educate and sensitise juveniles about abuse and their role in society. To teach them life skills and better possibilities for when they are released back into society.
Family Dialogue
A partnership between the George Municipality, South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Social Development (DSD) and Spiritual Dest which seeks to build healthy relationships between children and parents will host a family dialogue in Uniondale on Monday, 4 December 2023 between 10:00 and 14:00. This dialogue is intended to strengthen the relationship between parents and their Children, and for parents to have a better understanding of the challenges the young girls and boys face daily. Also, to document the outcomes and do referrals’ where needed.
Information Awareness Session
On Tuesday, 5 December 2023 between 10:00 and 13:00, the George Municipality and the Gender Forum members will host an information and awareness session in one of the schools in George. The name of the school will be confirmed later. The Information session aims to sensitize the pupils about the issues surrounding them, peer pressure, teenage pregnancy, HIV/Aids infection rate under youth and bullying.
GBVF Conville Awareness session
The last event of the 16 Days of Activism series is the GBVF Conville Awareness Session which will take place on Wednesday, 6 December 2023 between 10:010 and 14:00, in the Conville Community Hall. This event is targeted at the Community members to Sensitize the community about GBVF matters. The organisers of this event are the George Municipality and the Gender Forum members; they aim to promote an understanding of the GBVF Pandemic that has been a monster in our communities and provide a support role to the victims and survivors.
For more enquiries about the programme, please contact Ejustley Boshoff, Gender & Disability Co-ordinator, Community Development at 044 801 1778.