Mallex Shipanga and Moses Magadza
Monday marked the beginning of the international campaign of 16 Days of Activism opposing violence against women and children.
This annual United Nations initiative runs from 25 November to 10 December.
The UN Women Desk estimates that 736 million women, or 30% of women aged 15 and older, have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their lives.
“This figure does not include sexual harassment. Women who have experienced violence are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and HIV, with long-lasting consequences,” said the desk.
This year’s theme is “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women.”.
“The UNiTE campaign is drawing attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women,” said the desk.
President Nangolo Mbumba launched the campaign in Windhoek, where he encouraged the nation to join the fight against gender-based violence as part of the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women.
“This is our moment to make a difference by eliminating gender-based violence in our country,” Mbumba said.
The president urged the nation to support victims of GBV.
“Say ‘yes’ to supporting those in need. Silence is complacency.
“Let us all say ‘yes’ to ending gender-based violence,” he added.
The secretary general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma, said that besides being a violation of human rights, violence against women thwarts gender equality and sustainable development.
“It has far-reaching consequences that affect women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and commodities, as well as their bodily autonomy and integrity,” she stated.
She added, “The traumatic impacts of violence leave survivors vulnerable, often leading to increased health risks, inadequate access to critical SRHR services, and a devastating cycle of fear, stigma, and isolation.”
Sekgoma called for concerted efforts to combat violence against women because it prevents women and girls from realising their full potential and hampers their ability to contribute meaningfully to their communities and societies.
She called on national parliaments to take decisive action by allocating funding for the implementation of laws and policies designed to combat the issue.
“It is imperative that we transform our commitments into concrete actions that safeguard the rights and wellbeing of women and girls,” Sekgoma urged.
She argued that ending violence against women was a collective responsibility of all sectors of society.
“Each one of us has a role to play in creating a world where all women and girls can thrive. We must foster an environment where respect, empathy, and active support replace silence and complicity,” she pointed out.
She urged SADC member states to domesticate the SADC Model Law on Gender-Based Violence and to put in place effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track its implementation.
“We must stand together, shoulder to shoulder, advocating for a society where every woman and girl can live free from violence and fear,” she asserted.
She challenged community leaders, policymakers, educators, and individuals to contribute to challenging and changing the norms that perpetuate violence against women.
She expressed optimism that the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence would inspire stakeholders to remain committed to the pursuit of justice, equality, and dignity for all.
“Together, we can forge pathways that lead to a future where we all recognise, uphold, and celebrate women’s rights across the SADC region,” she said.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) desk called on governments, employers, workers, and communities to come together to create safer, more inclusive workplaces everywhere.
The ILO’s campaign this year focuses on investing in the prevention of violence and harassment in the world of work through the ratification of ILO Convention 190.
“The 16 Days of Activism serve as an opportunity to remind us of the importance of utilising this convention, reflecting on the progress we’ve made, and emphasising the urgent need to do more. Convention 190 is a powerful tool in our hands to drive lasting change!,” said the ILO.
*Moses Magadza is the media and communications manager at the SADC PF.
