The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The 2020 16 Days Campaign will be observed under the theme “Women’s Economic Justice for a Non-Violent and Non-Sexist South Africa”.
The official commemoration of 16 Days of Activism Campaign 2020, will commence at 06:00, tomorrow, 25 November with an event at the Union Buildings. During the hour-long event, the South African National Flag will be raised to half-mast. The event will mark the start to the 5 Days of Remembrance. The event will signify the start of the 5 Days of Remembrance for loved ones and citizens who have lost their lives through Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and COVID-19.
Between 17:00-19:30, President Cyril Ramaphosa will hold a dialogue on GBVF. This will be a virtual dialogue and will be broadcast on TV and social media platforms. A range of voices including Men’s Sector, Faith-Based Leaders, GBVF Survivors, Civil Society organisations, will form part of the dialogue. The dialogue is a platform for voices from different sectors who will deliberate on the united actions needed to respond to the scourge of GBVF, as well as the collective responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The objective of the 16 Days Campaign is to strengthen implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide by all social partners; to expand on the call to action for men as partners and boys to stand against the rape and sexual abuse of women and children; to increase awareness and drive change in relation to negative social norms and behaviour through multiple platforms, sectors and activism including technology, social media, culture and customs, the arts, journalism, faith-based organisations, the private sector, trade unions, the sports fraternity, the taxi industry, traditional leaders and the youth sector.
The NSP on GBVF was approved by Cabinet in March 2020 and has the following 6 pillars:
Accountability, Leadership and Coordination
Prevention and Restoration of Social Fabric
Protection, Safety and Justice,
Response, Care, Support and Healing
Economic Empowerment
Research and Information systems
Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:
Venue: Union Buildings, Pretoria
Time: 06:00-07:00. Media to be set up by 05:30
Media Enquiries:
Ms Mmabatho Ramompi (Media Liaison Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities)
Cell: 076 480 3513
Email: mmabatho.ramompi@women.gov.za
Mr Shalen Gajadhar (Director: Communications, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities)
Cell: 060 979 4235
Mr Takalani Mukwevho (GCIS)
Cell: 082 227 9308
