“16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence” is an international campaign to call for the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence, or violence against women. The campaign’s start and end dates, November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and December 10: International Human Rights Day, were chosen by campaign organizers in 1991 to symbolically link violence against women and human rights, emphasising that violence against women IS a human rights violation. Other significant dates designated to recognise social justice and human rights issues are encompassed within the 16-day period, including:
1 December: World AIDS Day
3 December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
6 December: Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre
10 December: Human Rights Day
During “16 Days”, participating organisations, agencies, institutions and groups set out to:
• raise awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at local, national, regional and international levels
• strengthen local work around ending violence against women
• establish a clear link between local and international work to end violence against women
• provide a forum in which organisers can develop and share new and effective strategies
• demonstrate the solidarity of women and men around the world organising against violence against women
• create advocacy tools to ensure that promises made to eliminate violence against women are implemented in the public and private spheres
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and its partners from community-based organisations and private institutions, with support internationally from partners, collaborate to create public awareness on the significance of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, and encourage all members of society to get involved.
The Theme for this year is: UNITE to End Violence Against Women
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon launched the “UNITE to End Violence Against Women” campaign as a global effort to join forces with individuals, civil society and governments to put an end to violence against women in all of its forms, prevent crimes of violence, and punish their perpetrators. Antigua and Barbuda joined in this campaign at the Caribbean launch of “UNITE”, held in Barbados earlier this year, and reiterated its full commitment to ending gender-based violence. As Antigua and Barbuda commemorates the “16 Days of Activism” campaign for 2010 under the “UNITE” theme, country efforts will underscore the clear link between these prominent international campaigns to end violence against women.
UNITE to Strengthening State Accountability
We must all demand implementation of key documents on gender equality, social justice and human rights, and demand state accountability for ending impunity, allocating adequate resources, and implementing good laws and national action plans to address violence against women. We can also call on the UN to take bolder action on the UN Secretary-General’s “UNiTE” Campaign Framework for Action.
UNITE to Build Community-based Action
We can all report crimes, be our neighbour’s keeper, pray for and support those we know are being victimised, and work to protect and strengthen our communities. We all have a responsibility to end gender-based violence, as women and girls, men and boys, as individuals of all generations, religions, occupations, sexual orientations, abilities, political persuasions, and socio-economic backgrounds. We can commit to ending violence against women.
UNITE to Increase Public Awareness
As organisations create opportunities to participate in awareness-raising, encourage a neighbour or friend to come out and join you, or discuss information about violence, HIV, disability and other related themes. Become a messenger for ending violence against women.
UNITE: Youth Unite to End Gender-based Violence
We are encouraging young people to engage in creative, innovative and tangible ways to end violence in the personal lives, families and communities. Join in the activities established by other young people to raise awareness on how violence is impacting your lives and the lives of those you love. Be advocates in your homes, schools, social clubs and places of leisure. Be the change you want see in the world, and right here in Antigua and Barbuda. Unite with your elders and peers alike to end gender-based violence.
Antigua and Barbuda let us rise up and UNITE to End Violence Against Women!
