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16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children

25 November - 10 December

Don't look away, act against abuse

Background
Did you know
2009 events
Where to get help

Background

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is an international campaign. It takes place every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). The period includes Universal Children’s Day and World AIDS Day.

During this time, the South African Government runs a 16 Days of Activism Campaign to make people aware of the negative impact of violence on women and children and to act against abuse. We are firmly committed to lead a coordinated effort to sustain the campaign into its next decade.

2009 marks the 10-year anniversary of the 16 Days Campaign in South Africa. In South Africa, the campaign focuses on the abuse of women and children, which are reinforced by the year long 365 Days Programme.

Every year, government, civil-society organisations and the business sector work together to broaden the impact of the campaign. By supporting this campaign, thousands of South Africans have also helped to increase awareness of abuse and build support for victims and survivors of abuse.

What can you do?

• Support the campaign by wearing the white ribbon during the 16-day period: A white ribbon is a symbol of peace and symbolises the commitment of the wearer to never commit or condone violence against women and children.
• Join the CyberDialogues initiative: The CyberDialogues facilitate online discussions among people about issues related to the abuse of women and children. Read more on Gender links website or visit your local Thusong Service Centre.
• Participate in the various 16 Days of Activism events and activities: There is a calendar of events taking place around the country from 25 November to 10 December.
• Volunteer in support of non-governmental organisations and community groups who support abused women and children: Many organisations that help the victims and survivors of abuse need assistance from the public. Look out for an organisation in your area that you can play a part in.
• You can donate money to organisations working to end violence against women and children by making a contribution to the Foundation for Human Rights. There is no minimum or maximum amount set for your donation – it is up to you! For more information, go to the Foundation for Human Rights website or call 011 339 5560.
• Speak out against woman and child abuse. Encourage silent female victims to challenge abuse. Report child abuse to the police.
• Join community policing forums (CPFs) or community safety forums (CSFs): The community and local police stations are active partners in ensuring local safety and security. By joining your local CPF or CSF, you can help fight crime in your area. For more information on how to join, contact your local police station.

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Did you know?

• Since 1994, Government has developed several pieces of legislation to redress the wrongs affecting women and children.
• Government has implemented and supported many interventions that protect the human dignity of women and children.
• The rights of the Victims Charter are being translated into reality for victims of crime.
• South Africa cooperates internationally in addressing challenges of violence against women and children.

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2009 events

• Media debate and launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children
  Date: 19 November 2009
  Time: 11h00-15h00  
  Venue: Women’s Jail Lekgotla, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg
• A regional cyber dialogue on the 2009 Sixteen Days of Activism Campaign will take place with eleven other countries from across the SADC region. Cyber dialogues are a chat room on the Internet – through the GenderLinks website where people can share ideas, be anonymous; receive assistance and support, etc.
  Date: 19 November 2009
  Time: 13h00-14h00
  Subject: Media debate: Is the media part of the problem or part of the solution?
  Venue: Participate online by logging on and registering using the following link: http://gemcommunity.genderlinks.org.za/
  
• 16 Days of Activism Campaign Summit
  Date: 25 November 2009
  Time: 9h00
  Venue: Birchwood Conference Centre, Boksburg
• Post Office and People Opposing Women Abuse host 16 Days of Activism exhibition
  Date: 25 November 2009
  Time: 09h00
  Venue: South African Post Office Head Office, National Post Centre, Corner
  Jacob Mare and Schubart Streets, Pretoria
• SA Navy march through Pretoria
  Date: 25 November 2009
  Time: 10h00
  Venue: Starts at Church Square and marches to Naval Mess Pretoria, Arcadia.
• SANDF and City of Tshwane 2009 16 Days of Activism march
  This initiative is a Security Sector Parade consisting of members from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South African Police Service (SAPS) and Tshwane Metro Police.                         
  Date:  Friday, 27 November 2009
  Time:  09:45 - 12:00
  Venue: Tshwane City Hall. The Parade March starts in Leyds Street at 9:45 and arrives in Minnaar Street at 10:05 and at 10:45 the Parade marches on and formal event starts at 11:00.
• Tshwane Walk for Change
  Date: 28 November 2009
  Time: 07h30
  Venue: Church Square, Pretoria
• Take back the Tech
  Date: 10 December 2009
  Time: 11h00 - 13h30
  Venue: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Wall
• Closing ceremony - address by President Jacob Zuma
  Date: 10 December
  Session 1: Unveiling of tombstones
  Time: 07h00 – 08h30
  Venue: Masalleng Village, Qwaqwa
  Session 2: 16 Days of Activism Campaign
  Official programme
  Time: 10h00 – 12h00
  Venue: Nelson Mandel Arena, Qwaqwa Campus, University of Free State
  
  
• Other events

• Calendars of events [PDF format]
  • Government Communications
  • Department of Education
  • Departments of Mineral Resources and of Energy
  • Department of Trade and Industry
  • Eastern Cape
    
  • Free State
  • Mpumalanga
  • Western Cape
  • Western Cape Winelands
    
  • National Prosecuting Authority
  • Gender Links
  • Olive Leaf Foundation
  • ANC Women's League
  • Masienyane Women Support Centre
• Speeches and statements

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Where to get help

• Counselling and support for women
  • National Crisis Helpline (Lifeline) 0861 322 322
  • Stop Gender-Based Violence Helpline 0800 150 150
  • People Opposed to Women Abuse 011 642 4345
  • Family and Marriage Society of South Africa 012 460 0733
  • National Network on Violence Against Women 012 321 4959
• Counselling and support for children
  • Childline 0800 055 555
• Social Security
  • Child support grants 0800 601 011
• Healthcare
  • Marie Stopes clinics 0800 11 77 85
  • Depression and Anxiety Group 011 783 1474
  • AIDS Helpline 0800 012 322
  • AID for AIDS 0860 100 646
• Legal assistance
  • Legal Aid Board 011 845 4311
  • Lawyers for Human Rights 011 339 1960
• Campaigns for men who support no violence
  • Men as Partners Project 011 833 0504
• Information
  • Sexual Harassment Education Project 011 403 0541
  • Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation 011 403 5650
• South African Police Service
  • 10111
  • Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567

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Last modified: 08 December 2009 16:25:43.