MBOMBELA — The South African government is set to launch the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, focusing on the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF). This awareness initiative is an integral part of the annual campaign recognized globally and endorsed by the United Nations.
According to South African Government News Agency, the 16 Days of Activism will commence on 25 November 2023, the International Day of No Violence against Women, and conclude on 10 December, International Human Rights Day. This period was officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, under resolution 54/134, to heighten public awareness about gender-based violence (GBV).
The campaign will also mark significant commemorative days, including World AIDS Day on 1 December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December. This year holds special significance as it marks the 25th anniversary of South Africa’s initiation of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
The campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating impact of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) on women, children, and the broader social fabric of society. The official launch is scheduled to take place at the Nsikazi Stadium in Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province.
The theme for this year’s campaign, “Accelerating actions to end gender-based violence and femicide: leaving no one behind,” emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, society-wide approach to combat GBVF. Additionally, the sub-theme, “Safe access for women to clean water: a basic human right,” highlights the critical issue of ensuring that women can safely access water and sanitation services in South Africa, addressing a fundamental barrier in the fight against gender-based violence.