The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

UNiTE to End Violence against Women December 2024

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual, international campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10. Launched in 1991 by activists at the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute, the campaign aims to raise awareness and drive action to end gender-based violence (GBV) worldwide. Each year, organizations, governments and individuals join forces to advocate for policies, support survivors and challenge harmful social norms.

GBV is not just a physical violation but a profound human rights issue with severe psychological, emotional, and social consequences. Addressing it requires comprehensive strategies, including media campaigns, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

In 2024, under the theme “UNiTE to End Violence Against Women,” WIIS-HoA participated in various events, including partnering with civil society organizations (CSOs) to strengthen advocacy efforts, engaging on social media and appearing on VOA News.

The Role of Digital Media and Community Engagement

Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, our collective efforts were centered on raising awareness and generating conversations about the harmful effects of GBV, with a focus on femicide, the most extreme form of GBV which had been on the rise during his period. Through powerful storytelling on our social media platforms, we shared facts, campaign updates and educational content that highlighted the importance of community involvement in ending GBV. (social media link)

During this period, WIIS-HoA in partnership with other CSOs participated in a community walk in Kamukunji Sub-County, which brought together over 100 participants who held placards, banners and wore branded t-shirts to spread the message of ending GBV. This walk was not only a display of solidarity but also a critical opportunity to engage the local community, reaching out to more than 200 community members along the streets.

Communities are the foundation of societal change; it is through engagements like this walk that there can truly be a shift in attitudes and behaviors toward violence against women and girls. By engaging local communities, WIIS-HoA fostered a culture of accountability, empathy and respect for women’s rights.

Femicide: A Growing Concern

Femicide refers to the deliberate killing of women based on their gender, it is a brutal manifestation of the systemic violence and discrimination women face. One of the most critical aspects of our participation in the 16 Days of Activism was raising awareness about the alarming rise of femicide in Kenya. Unfortunately, femicide has become an increasingly worrying issue in Kenya, with reports indicating a troubling rise in cases of women being murdered by intimate partners or other perpetrators.

In Kenya, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), one woman is killed every 3 days as a result of GBV. Furthermore, the United Nations reports that 41% of women in Kenya who have been married have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner, compared to 20 per cent of those who have not been married, a statistic that continues to raise alarm bells across the country.

Globally, the situation is equally dire. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, often from an intimate partner. The UNFPA noted that 47,000 women and girls are killed annually due to violence and the vast majority of these deaths occur in contexts of intimate partner violence or family violence. These statistics underscore the urgency of action at both the national and global levels.

The discussion to end femicide was not left out. During the walk, various speakers emphasized the need to report gender-based violence early to prevent it from escalating into life-threatening situations. They highlighted how inaction can lead to femicide, stressing the importance of awareness and timely intervention.

Community members were informed about the various channels available for seeking help, such as the Kenyan helpline 1195 and also reporting to local authorities where they could get support.   

VOA Appearance

A pivotal moment during the 16 Days of Activism was the feature of WIIS-HoA President, Fauziya Ali, on Voice of America News (VOA). In her interview, Fauziya spoke passionately about the urgent need to address GBV and the role of communities in ending violence against women. She emphasized on the importance of communities offering psychosocial support to GBV survivors.

The VOA appearance played a crucial role in amplifying the conversation around GBV on an international level. Fauziya’s message helped bring the issue to a global audience and reinforced WIIS-HoA’s commitment to combating violence. By elevating the discussion to a broader stage, WIIS-HoA contributed to creating a global narrative that recognizes the critical need for a united front in the fight against GBV.  

Conclusion

Ultimately, WIIS-HoA involvement in the 16 Days of Activism was not just about participating in an event, it was about making a tangible impact in the fight against GBV and ensuring that women and girls in Kamukunji and everywhere are empowered to live lives free from violence and discrimination. The walk, the media campaigns and the international outreach were all part of WIIS-HoA’s broader effort to shift societal attitudes, end the incidence of GBV and create a safer and more equitable world for all.