16 days of activism against gender-based violence

DR ASHA PEMBERTON

teenhealth.tt@gmail.com

The United Nations' 16 days of activism against gender-based violence activities runs from November 25 to December 10, under the 2020 global theme: "Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!" As we all adhered to social restrictions and guidelines to manage the covid19 pandemic, reports locally and internationally showed an alarming increase in the already existing pandemic of violence against women, girls and children.

A report generated by the UN Secretary General said, “Accompanying the crisis has been a spike in domestic violence reporting, at exactly the time that services, including rule of law, health and shelters, are being diverted to address the pandemic.”

At this time, and during these dates of activism, it is critical that as a wider community we pay attention to the ongoing and increased rates of gender-based violence, and do what we can in our homes, neighbourhoods and communities to prevent and reduce this phenomenon. We can all make a difference, even during this pandemic to support women and girl survivors of violence to stay safe and free of violence.

The 16 days of activism against gender-based violence is an annual international campaign that was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be co-ordinated each year by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

A first, simple and effective way to lend your support is by sharing social media posts in support of this campaign. The act of raising and increasing awareness can give potential and actual victims of domestic violence the encouragement to make changes in their lives.

Regarding parents and families of young people, use this opportunity to have frank and open conversations with your children, of both genders, about the many forms of gender-based violence, and listen to their opinions and thoughts. Explore their exposure to violence through media, video games, music and general culture. Challenge ideas that promote violence and most importantly, teach them positive and constructive ways of resolving conflict. Particularly regarding girls, it is critical that healthy self-esteem, confidence and awareness are taught early and reinforced. No young person should believe that they are deserving of any form of maltreatment nor should they consider any exposure to violence to mean a life sentence of ongoing abuse.

For educators, community activists and policy makers, this is the time to raise our voices towards continued advocacy and change. Too many of our women, teens and girls experience gender-based violence ranging from physical assault and sexual maltreatment to emotional abuse. During these 16 days of activism, may we wear orange, challenge current norms and support a world where we respond to and prevent gender-based violence in our country.