End violence, empower women!

Every year the United Nations declares the period from the 25 November, International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women, to the 10 December, International Human Rights Day, as the 16 days of no violence against women across the globe. Gender Links (GL) and partner organisations will implement the Sixteen Days of Activism 2014 under the banner Peace begins at home: End Violence! Empower Women!

Based on GL’s Gender Based Violence (GBV) Indicators studies, which show that the most violence take place behind closed doors, perpetrated by family and intimate partners, highlights the importance of peace in the home and the need for women to be safe in both private and public spheres. However this year, GL is broadening the theme and placing special emphasis on economic empowerment as key to addressing GBV.

Since last year GL has contributed to changing the lives of many women, with the roll out of the Entrepreneurship Training Programme for survivors of GBV from five different countries of Southern Africa.GL developed the programme because there is a growing belief that to achieve gender equality, we have to improve women’s economic status. One of the biggest challenges in achieving gender equality is GBV, and economically disempowered women are less able to escape this abuse. The aim of the programme is to economically empower women, helping to increase their agency and independence. This will enable them to leave abusive relationships and putting an end to the violence perpetrated against them

During the Sixteen Days of Activism GL aims to sensitise people on economic violence and the importance of empowerment, calling on people across the region to empower themselves and others; help advance peace in the home and on the streets; and ensure we end GBV and achieve gender equality. Yes we can and yes we must!

Look out for more information about events taking place across the region and GL’s daily Sixteen Days themes. The GL News Service will also be sharing interesting multimedia content, hosting Google Hangout debates and cyber dialogues. Watch this space!