November 25, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, and marks the beginning of 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This is a call to action to end the destructive impact of GBV in our communities.
GBV can take many forms from physical to mental, and has long-lasting, negative impact on women and girls’ well-being that prevents them from reaching their full potential. It is a pervasive threat that survives through harmful gender norms and silence and which has been exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic.
Women and Girls remain disproportionately impacted by GBV at a disturbing rate as it undermines the health and autonomy of survivors and often contributes to a lifetime of negative outcomes, including adverse sexual and reproductive health consequences such as unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
The focus of this year’s campaign is to increase efforts to clarify the voices of women workers in the informal economy while continuing to end all forms of GBV in public and private spaces.
GBV is not inevitable. It is preventable. Spread the message! Tell your families, neighbors, schools, communities and workmates. Together, we can confront the monster called GBV! Together, we can put an end to GBV! Together, our messages can be amplified and our voices heard! Indeed, together we can!