Written by: Seirah Ngcobo: Campaign Leader and Chief Spokesperson
Source: Voice Of The Church

The 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day. This year, a consortium of sixteen (16) churches, Christian companies and organisation have come together to highlight the need to make churches, homes, the  workplace and society  a safe space especially for women and children. We acknowledge that the impact and experience of sexual and gender-based violence can happen anywhere, and each of us should speak and act against gender-based violence.

Under the International theme, “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”, and the national  theme of  ““Women’s Economic Justice towards a non-violent and non-sexist South Africa” we call upon the church in different contexts to respond to the impact of sexual and gender-based violence. We acknowledge the progress that has been made by the government  through the Emergency Response Action Plan and adopting National Strategic Plan (NSP 2020-2030) to ensure gender equity and fight gender-based violence. We, however, recognise that COVID 19 has brought new challenges that have exacerbated gender-based violence in society including in the church. To that extent, action is still urgently needed.

 We are outlining seven action-oriented recommendations for  the church, governments, the private sector, civil society, and the rest of the society to take up, to ensure that we reduce and eradicate violence against women and children.

  1. Eliminate discriminatory laws and enact policies that respect and protect the health and rights of girls and women. 
  2. Ensure that investments, policies, and programs meet the needs and equally benefit all girls and all women.
  3. Match gender equality commitments with action and financing. 
  4. Prioritize and invest in gender-responsive data collection and analysis.  
  5. Uphold and advance sexual and reproductive health and rights as the bedrock of gender equality.  
  6. Remove barriers to women’s leadership, meaningful participation, and decision making.   
  7. Drive coordinated action and change across sectors — church, governments, the private sector, civil society, and the rest of the society

Together, we can use this year’s spotlight on gender equality to urge church leaders and all levels of decision-makers to make bigger, bolder, and more accountable commitments towards gender equity and justice with children and women in mind in South Africa

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Date published: 04/12/2020
Feature image: Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane at the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children. Credit – GCIS

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