16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign encourages all South Africans to cease the violence against women and children for 16 days, with a view to creating a permanent, non-violent society for women and children.

The campaign runs from 25 November 2014 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2014.

The theme for this year’s campaign is: Count me in: Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward.

Despite a liberal Constitution and a legislative that safeguards women’s and children’s rights, South Africa is still home to high levels of violence against its women and children.

It is important that the government, business, civil society, faith and community based organisations and the media actively increase awareness of the negative impact of violence and abuse on women and children.

South Africans are urged to support the campaign by wearing a white ribbon – a symbol of peace – during the 16-day period to symbolise their commitment to never commit or condone violence against women or children.