The 16 Days Activism Campaign on No Violence against Women is an annual awareness raising campaign observed globally. The purpose of the campaign is to address policy and legal issues; as well as campaign for the prevention of violence against women and children and to call for the elimination of all forms of gender based violence.
The period of the campaign is from 25 November, officially recognised by the United Nations in 1999 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. South Africa has added children in the campaign as there is a growing concern caused by the increasing violence against children.
The Campaign is therefore known as 16 Days Activism Campaign on No Violence against Women and Children (including those with disabilities as well as Lesbian, gays, etc-LGBTI). The campaign takes place annually from the 25th November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Other important commemorative days commemorated annually during this 16-Day period include World Aids Day on 1st December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.
The Minister for the Department of Women, Children and People with disabilities, Lulu Xingwana in partnership with The Premier of the North West Province, Thandi Modise, will officially launch the 16 days of activism on no violence against women and children. This year’s opening ceremony will take the form of an interactive session with community members.
Civil society organisations in attendance includes People Opposing Women Abuse ,Sonke Gender Justice, Childline, Disabled People South Africa (DPSA), Men’s Sector, Survivor, Representative of Child/ person with disabilities and Ex-offenders organisations.
The Launch is scheduled to take place as follows:
Date: Sunday, 24 November 2013
Time: 9h00 for 9h30
Venue: Mmabatho Stadium, Mafikeng, North-west Province
Media is invited to attend.
To confirm attendance and schedule interviews and general media enquiries, kindly contact:
Phuti Mabelebele
Minister Xingwana’s Office
Cell: 076 402 7521
Tel: Phuti@dwcpd.gov.za
Lesiba Kgwele
Thandi Modise Office
Cell: 083 629 1987
Email: Lkgwele@gmail.com
