16 or 365 Days against Gender-Based Violence?

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on the 25th of  November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10th December, Human Rights Day. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

The coordinator of the gender-based violence program in the Syrian Society for Social Development, Tartous office, DuaaTahaBasha, declared at the end the 16 days campaign against gender-based violence:

“At the end of the 16 days campaign against gender-based violence, I would like to thank all those who participated in this campaign which was under the motto (Safety for all__ gender-based violence is not acceptable) this year. The campaign was held in cooperation with the High Commissioner for Human Rights Refugees, aiming to end gender-based violence and raise awareness about gender discrimination. It was an appeal to all for gender equality in terms of opportunities, rights and duties.

The occasion was initiated by a march whereas the end was marked by an exhibition of photos of activists revoking violence against women, in addition to photos of the campaign. Members of the Children’s Club and women of the community committee participated in the march.

The campaign included sessions for women and the elderly, telling stories and displaying informative videos about gender-based violence. Memos written on kites were launched in a field in Sahem al-Bahr and the Boy’s Tower. The campaign’s orange color symbolizes a brighter future free of violence.

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent team participated in raising legal awareness of gender-based violence cases. While the Child Club participated in drawing murals with the following motto (United to End Violence)

Finally, I hope that girls and women are given their rights. It is time for us to say stop to violence, not only for 16 days but for 365 days.

Lama Razouq