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2023 Campaign for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international civil society led campaign that takes place each year. It commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day - indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. It was originated by activists at the inaugural Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG). (Source: UN Women).

16 Days activities supported by SPC

The Pacific Community (SPC) works with civil society organisations (CSOs), member governments and other partners each year in support of the 16 Days campaign. This year, SPC activities include:

-          One-SPC social media campaign with 16 videos being released over 16 days.

-          Media feature story for the Pacific region.

-          One-SPC event to open 16 Days of Activism, involving all 9 divisions and up to 700 staff.

-          Human Rights Day social media activity for the public, and knowledge raising activities for SPC staff.  

-          Ongoing support for the Thursdays in Black campaign.

-          Mainstream media broadcasted panel discussions in countries across the 3 Pacific sub-regions, discussing gender-based violence and how gender inequality is the primary cause of violence against women and girls.

-          Support to SPC Country Focal Officers (CFOs) and in-country partners who requested funding.

Theme for 2023

In the absence of a civil society led theme for 16 Days in 2023, SPC is this year focussing on the thematic issue of ‘ending gender-based violence’ and the CSO colour-theme of purple, with the hashtag #16Days2023.

There are also United Nations (UN) themes and colours for this period. In support of the civil society led 16 Days initiative is the “UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative” (UNiTE) calling for global action to increase awareness, galvanise advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to end violence against women once and for all. Launched in 2008, the UNiTE 2023 theme is Invest to prevent violence against women and girls” with the hashtag #NoExcuse and annual UN colour-theme of orange. (Source: UN Women)

You can access the 16 videos series for 16 days via the links below: 

·       Fuatino Tangitau – Tonga

·       Meriam Karie – Vanuatu

·       Ikelau Misech – Palau

·       Melissa Bule – Vanuatu

·       Sister Doreen Awaiasi – Solomon Islands

·       Sebestian Tonga – Tonga

·       Penninah Woyengu – Papua New Guinea

·       Myisha Mori – Republic of the Marshall Islands

·       Sabina Moce – Fiji

·       Lestina Berdon – Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia

·       Ketia-Kesa Toakarawa – Kiribati

·       Anna Jane Vea – Tonga

·       Saram Salle – Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia

·       Isabelle Charlie - Vanuatu

Background

The 16 Days of Activism is an international civil society led campaign starting on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day - indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide. It was originated by activists at the inaugural Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG). (Source: UN Women(link is external))

The Pacific region has some of the highest rates of violence against women and girls (VAWG) recorded in the world – about twice the global average, with an estimated two in every three Pacific women impacted by gender-based violence. The most widespread form of violence against Pacific women relates to intimate partner violence and/or domestic violence, with up to 68 per cent of Pacific women reportedly experiencing physical or sexual violence by a partner in their lifetime, in countries where prevalence studies have been undertaken.(link is external)

SPC is committed to ending violence against women and girls by creating a workplace that is respectful of the rights of all with a zero-tolerance of violence against women, girls and children. SPC, through the work of its Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD) Division, supports members to deliver on their commitments to international human rights treaties and conventions and supports governments and CSOs with implementation of these commitments. HRSD is also SPC’s lead technical agency for supporting member countries with the implementation of their Family Protection and Domestic Violence legislation. The 2023 16 Days One-SPC campaign will be coordinated by PWL at SPC.

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