The days from November 25, International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10th, International Human Rights Day, are collectively known as the
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
– a time encouraging people around the world to unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women for good.
Brigidines encourage all sisters, associates and colleagues to join in this action in whatever ways possible.
Why does the ’16 days of activism’ campaign matter?
– Because 5 women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their family
– Because 26% of women aged 15 and older have been subjected to inimate partner violence
– Because less than 40% of women who have experience violence seek help of any sort
– Because for the LBGTQ+ community, migrants and refugees, indigenous women, ethnic minorities, women and girls living with disability, these figures are worse
– Because campaigns like ’16 days’ shine light on the issue and create a moment for all to say: This is not OK
– Because 16 days of activism raises awareness of what needs to change at local, national, regional and international levels
– Because violence is not inevitable, it is preventable.
Source: International Women’s Development Agency, UN Women.
Did you know?
Violence against women happens in every country and culture, causing harm to millions of women and girls. Risks and challenges to access care increase even more for women and girls living in humanitarian emergencies. Around the world today, prolonged and intense conflicts have resulted in a continuous rise in of all forms of gender-based violence. (World Health Organisation 2024)
Want to know more? CAFOD* UK shares experience and insight in this comprehensive booklet about their work with and for victims and survivors Gender-Based Violence: -Gender_violence_booklet CAFOD UK
For the 2024 campaign, ACRATH**, with emphasis on trafficking and modern slavery, has again offered leadership and shared resources to encourage reflection, advocacy and action.
16-Days-Activism_Calendar-2024
Anti-trafficking Reflection Service
Human Trafficking – Prayers of Intercession
Remembering Victims and Survivors of Family Domestic Violence: An Ecumenical Prayer Service remembering Victims and Survivors of Family Domestic Violence is offered at Wesley Church Melbourne Australia (in person and on Zoom) 28 November 5.00pm AEDST https://css.org.au/events/holding-the-light-3/
Read:
– ACRATH’s most recent news : ACRATH Newsletter November 2024
– The recent newsletter of Alliance to Stop Human Trafficking (US) focuses on human trafficking among people living in rural areas: Alliance – Stop Trafficking Newsletter Nov ’24
“It is our duty, everyone’s responsibility, to give voice to our voiceless sisters: women who are victims of abuse, exploitation, marginalization, and inappropriate pressure.”
– Pope Francis 2023
*CAFOD is the aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and part of Caritas
**Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking of Humans