The Importance of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is a global campaign that runs every year from November 25 to December 10. This campaign is dedicated towards uniting partners from all over the world under the banner of ending gender-based violence and discrimination.
What is violence against women or gender-based violence?
Violence against women is defined by the United Nations as:
“Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.” (1)
Gender violence, especially in a relationship, can take the form of any of the following:
- Physical abuse: this consists of hitting, pushing, pulling hair, using or threatening to use weapons, and preventing her from seeking medical help.
- Sexual abuse: forcing unwanted sexual relations by using threats, verbal and/or physical intimidation as a means of control.
- Emotional/Verbal abuse: this consists of belittling, manipulating, controlling, monitoring, and isolating her from her family and friends, destroying her possessions, threatening to kill her (and the kids), threatening to kill himself, and any other acts that would regulate her freedom or degrade her.
- Financial abuse: controlling all finances and money, including that belonging to the victim, and prohibiting her from working in order to establish complete dependence.
- Spiritual abuse: using religion to manipulate, dominate and control the victim.
Statistics reveal that abuse towards women is more common than many people think. All over the world:
- 1 out of every 3 women has experienced some sort of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. (2)
- 1 out of every 20 women are raped while 1 out of 10 has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. (3)
- Women between ages 15-44 are more at risk from domestic violence and rape than from combined factors of cancer, car accidents, war and malaria. (4)
“Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.” (1)
Why are the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence important?
These days seek to unite efforts against gender-based violence globally and bring awareness to communities where this topic is taboo or stigmatized. Starting conversations not only educates those who may be living with misconceptions, but also helps those women stuck in the cycle of abuse find help.
This year, this campaign is needed more than ever. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence is on the rise. With the restrictions that are placed to protect the populous, women are stuck in a cycle of domestic violence, now forced to remain at home around the clock with their abusers, making it near impossible for them to seek help.
Spreading awareness and bringing the stories of many to light is the first step in combating gender-based violence. However, here are some other ways we can become allies:
- Listen to those who experienced gender-based violence and learn from their experiences.
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- Believe them. Show them that you support them and stand by them.
- Speak up and speak out. Add your voice to the narrative against gender-based violence, using whatever platform you are comfortable with.
- Intervene. If you see acts of gender-based violence, find a safe way to help the victim that doesn’t put their lives further at risk.
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Donate time or money to organizations, like Nisa Homes, who are spreading awareness and helping women who need help find a safe haven and start over.
“Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers”
We at Nisa Homes are committed to upholding the rights of women that have been neglected and abused. Our support consists of services that shelter, heal, support, and rebuild so that women can be self-sufficient and provide for themselves. However, we cannot do this alone.
Sign up for the #OvernightChallenge by spending the night in your car on Saturday, November 27th to get a glimpse into what many experience when home is not a safe place.
Although we have a long way to go in tackling the issues that women across Canada face, you can help us shorten the distance. With your support, we can create a safer Canada for all women.
If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to us:
Call: +1 (888) 456-8043
Email: [email protected]
Apply: https://nisahomes.com/apply
**Resources**
(www.restoredrelationships.org)
