16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence
The 16 Days of Activism for the ‘No Violence against Women and Children’ campaign, is a United Nations initiative which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The 16 Days Campaign forms the central pillar of Government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
Given the scourge of gender-based violence in the country, the South African government is implementing the ’Emergency Response Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide’, which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September 2019.
During these 16 days, Government together with civil society and the private sector, will host a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with gender based violence and femicide.
Gender-based violence does not discriminate, and the BCMDA strongly condemns any form of violence against any person regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender.
The theme for 2021 is “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke – 16 Days of Activism – moving from awareness to accountability”.
For further assistance against gender-based violence (GBV), please contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC). The GBVCC employs trained social workers/command centre agents who provide immediate psychosocial support to victims and help them to avoid further exposure to GBV.
The centre can be reached on 0800 428 428 or send a “please call me” to *120*7867#.