PRACTISE SELFCARE AS YOU JOIN THE #16DAYSOFACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
It’s that time of the year and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls has officially kicked off.
The 16-day campaign begins on the 25th of November with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends with International Human Rights Day on 10 December– highlighting that violence against women is a fundamental violation of human rights.
Why does this matter?
Violence against women continues to occur at an alarming scale in every country in the world. Many times, it is described as normal behavior and the societal standard of discrimination against women encourages violence to constantly take place.
Whether is it by convincing governments to improve laws and services, providing help through NGOs or working with communities to change discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, several organizations and individuals are working all over the world to respond to and prevent violence against women.
Violence against women is a global problem and it requires global action. Calls for action like the 16 days of Activism are highly important as they call attention to the issue of violence against women. They are a moment to create public awareness and consciousness about what needs to change to prevent it from happening in the first place at local, national, regional and international levels.
Who needs to be involved?
To end violence against women, we need to challenge the attitudes that perpetuate, rationalize and normalize that violence which deny women’s right to safety. To truly eliminate this violence, the attitudes of abusers need to change. Shifting these behaviors many be slow-paced, but gender equality means all of us, and working with all genders is the only way to see true change.
How can you contribute to the #16DaysOfActivism Against Gender-Based Violence?
Violence against women is not inevitable; it is preventable. Inform your families, schools, communities and workplaces. Together, the message will be amplified, and our voices heard.
- Do not protect abusers, report them!
- Do not engage in abusive activities and become an abuser- Stop abuse.
- Challenge and denounce cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities.
- Be sensitive and supportive to GBV victims - share helpful information and support causes near you.
- Seek personal help to change harmful behaviors such as alcohol and substance abuse.
- Teach children values of gender equality.
- Protect children from exposure to violence and harmful content on internet and social media, including pornography, sexual solicitation.
- Develop policies that prevent and deal with gender-based violence in your sector, workplace and communities.
- Organize targeted community outreach and dialogues on solution towards a gender equal society.
Remember that as you take part in this course, especially through outreaches, protests or walks, your safety and selfcare are of importance and should not be neglected.
Follow the set rules, wear your face mask and practice social distancing, be aware of your surroundings and make plans for unexpected events, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, don’t wander far from the crowd, drink enough water to stay hydrated, use little (or no) makeup, stay moisturized, use your serum and sunscreen to avoid sunburns, eat healthy and energizing meals, and don’t forget to get a well-deserved spa therapy to ease all the stress.
You can get a moisturizer, serum or any of our wide range of skincare products or book an appointment at the ORÍKÌ website now.