How we ‘oranged’ East and Southern Africa for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 2021

In Burundi, the Vice-President, H.E. Prosper Bazombanza called on the population to denounce perpetrators of violence against women. In the prelude to the 16 days campaign, UN Women office in Burundi and WHO Burundi, in collaboration with the Association of Women Doctors of Burundi, jointly launched an information and medical assistance campaign targeting vulnerable populations, in particular displaced women and girls.

In Malawi, the first lady of the Republic of Malawi, Monica Chakwera launched the 16 Days of Activism campaign in Nkhata Bay district, an area where the Spotlight Initiative is being implemented. 2,500 community members, representatives of NGOs, government, development partners, the private sector and the UN and other stakeholders attended the event. The launch comprised a drama performance by children with disabilities, speeches and various traditional dances.

In Mozambique, UN Women worked with Stewart Sukuma, a multi-award-winning singer to create several spots aired on TV and posted on social media. The campaign leveraged on the influencer’s name, fame and large follower base to reach masses, young audiences, and the unconverted audience to raise awareness on the issues of gender-based violence.

Mozambican artist Nalia Agostinho, in partnership with the Superior Institute of Visual Arts and the cultural and social association, painted a mural that was launched as part of the 16 Days of Activism commemoration. The mural represents hope and unity, roles of women and men for a violence-free society.

In Rwanda, Kigali Convention Centre was illuminated in orange to stand against Gender-Based Violence.

UN Women Rwanda and the government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, CSOs, and residents launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign with a solidarity walk. They were also joined by the First Lady and other partners.

In South Sudan, the South Sudan Women, Peace and Security Working Group published its joint statement for the effective implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resoluton 1325 on Women, Peace and Security calling on the Government of South Sudan to recommit on the 35 per cent quota for women's participation, engagement with the civil society and urging the government to address harmful norms, enact the Anti-GBV Bill and continue its support to the GBV Courts. 

South Sudan WPS Working Group's joint statement on #UNSCR1325

🔸calls on the 🇸🇸 Govt to recommit to the 35 % quota and engage with civil society

🔸urges the Govt to address harmful norms, enact the
Anti-GBV Bill, and continue support for GBV courts

Read full statement⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3pbwx2AJ6N

— Norway | South Sudan (@NorwayinSSudan) November 26, 2021

The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare with the assistance of UN Women organized a launch of the Progress Report on the South Sudan National Action Plan on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security 2015-2020. During the meeting, the ministry also publicly announced that a new NAP on the UNSCR 1325 will be developed for 2022-2026. The launch brought together government officials, the diplomatic community, development partners and uniformed forces. Honorable Minister of Gender, UN Women Deputy Country Representative, Dr. Paulina Chiwangu and the Ambassador of Sweden Mr. Joachim Waern gave statements during the events.

“Strategic Partnership to End Violence Against Women Now” policy dialogue was organized by UN Women Liaison Office to African Union and UNECA in partnership with OHCHR and UNFPA. It brought together stakeholders from African Union (AU) Member States, CSOs, GEWE advocates, UN system and other partners such as traditional/cultural leaders who discussed promising practices, opportunities and key areas of action to address the priorities of women and girls at risk of violence and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on gender-based violence (GBV). The dialogue platform adopted a call to actions to stakeholders to prevent and end VAWG.

UN Women Ethiopia officially launched the 16 Days of Activism campaign in the presence of H.E Sahle-Work Zewde, the FDRE President, H.E Ergoge Tesfaye, the Minister for Women and Social Affairs, other ministers, high-level officials, development partners, and the media. H.E Sahle-Work Zewde emphasized actions to be taken in the humanitarian and emergency context of the country and the need for consistent and determined efforts against Gender-Based Violence.

UN Women Somalia partnered with Ifrah Foundation to step up the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) in two of the Horn of Africa country’s Federal Member States. Read more.

UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office facilitated a dialogue with a popular journalist Bheki Ncube dubbed, "From toxic to transformative masculinity: In partnership with the Faith Action, We Will Speak Out (Faith Action Collective)". Read more

The Multi-Country Office partnered with Strategy Advertising, Expert Stores South Africa to run the Orange the World digital whilst people and organizations donate money. The money raised will be handed over to Bombani Shelter for Abused Women and Children, a beneficiary selected by UN Women.

In Tanzania, the 16 Days of Activism campaign kicked off with a national launch held in Dar es Salaam on November 25th. The national event, launched by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, brought together over 1,000 participants from Government, CSOs, WROs, development partners, UN agencies, and the media among others. The event also included an exhibition where various CSOs showcased the important work they are doing to end violence against women and girls at the grassroot level. A regional launch for 16 Days of Activism was held in Zanzibar on the same day. The campaign was launched by the First Vice President of Zanzibar, Hemed Suleiman Abdalla, with over 100 participants from government, UN agencies, civil society, development partners and the media.

In the lead up to 16 Days of Activism UN Women, in collaboration with the Tanzania Police Force, organized a high-level orientation meeting in Moshi with the police to roll out the “Handbook on Gender-Responsive Police Services for Women and Girls Subject to Violence.” Over 100 Police officers participated in the 2-day workshop.

In Uganda, The National Launch for Uganda’s 16 Days of Activism campaign took place in Kamdini SubCounty, Oyam District on November 26^th. This launch was led by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD). The guest of honor at the launch was Honorable Minister Betty Amongi (Main Minister) accompanied by the Honorable Peace Mutuuzo (State Minister of Gender and Culture). The high table featured an all female representation including Acting Director for Gender and Community Development Juliana Akoryo, the Chairperson for National Women’s Council Faridah Hajjat and the UN Women Deputy Country Representative. Stories were shared that centered on women's voices, those of survivors and civil society organizations working to end VAW. Stories highlighted challenges, including that of COVID-19 and the recent terror crises in the country.

In Zimbabwe, the Government of Zimbabwe, the European Union, and the United Nations together with local authorities in the Epworth district launched a Safe Market and One Stop Centre as part of ongoing joint efforts to end violence against women and girls under the Spotlight Initiative. Beneficiaries for both the Safe Market and One-stop Centre attended. Read more