Your Guide to Active Participation in the #16DaysofActivism
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10th, Human Rights Day.
Activists launched the campaign in 1991, during the launch of the Women's Global Leadership Institute. Individuals and groups all around the world utilize it as an organizing tool to advocate for the prevention and abolition of violence against women and girls.
In support of this civil society initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General created the UNITE by 2030 campaign to end violence against women in 2008, which runs concurrently with the 16 Days of Activism.
Every year, the UNITE Campaign focuses on a different theme.
"UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls" is this year's theme. The campaign encourages citizens to demonstrate their commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls by revealing the steps they are taking to achieve a world free of violence against women. The campaign this year also asks governments throughout the world to report how they are investing in gender-based violence prevention.
It is important to support these causes to ensure continued awareness on the topic. Here are five ways you can support the campaign.
Educate yourself
The most important thing to do before joining the campaign is to educate yourself. You should be asking “what is SGBV” “How does it affect me and women around me” “How many women are affected?” These should prompt you to research. The UNCHR website is a good place to start.
Follow the hashtags
Apart from the hashtag #16daysofactivism you can follow other hashtags such as #orangetheworld and this year #UNITE this will keep you up to date with information regarding the campaign and activities relating to the campaign.
Post the hashtags
You can’t trend a hashtag without posting it. Write quotes with information relating to the fight against SGBV anything from statistics to personal experiences works. Write and share with your followers and network.
Here’s a list of hashtags;
- 16Days16Ways
- #EndVAW
- #1000Women1Voice
- #EndGBV
- #HearMeToo
- #TakeBackTheTech
- #FeministInternet
- #16Days
- #GBV
- #GenderEquality
- #EndViolence
- #GE4Us
- #Gender
Follow NGOs and CSOs that fight against SGBV
There are many organizations in Nigeria currently working to fight against SGBV some of them include Stand To End Rape(STER) Mirabel Center, Hands Off Initiative, Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) and WineandWhineNg. These NGOs provide valuable information and following them increases their chances of reaching more and more people.
Volunteer, March and Protest
Many of the organizations listed above plan rallies and other activities within the 16 days of activism. Apply to volunteer during the activities and attend the rallies and protests. This is perhaps the most effective way to participate in the campaign and garner awareness on the dangers and effects of SGBV.