From 16 Days to 365: Sustaining the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

The statistics are jarring: more than five women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their family. Shockingly, nearly one in five women aged 20-24 were married before turning 18, and one in three women has experienced violence at least once in their lifetime. These figures, sourced from the UN Women, underscore the gravity of the situation. The 16 Days in WA campaign, inspired by the global movement, seeks to alter cultural norms, behaviours, and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women and their children. But can a mere 16 days make the transformative change needed?

The answer is a resounding NO. While the 16 Days of Activism serves as a crucial platform for awareness and advocacy, it's insufficient in combating the deeply ingrained societal issues that enable gender-based violence. To truly create a safer world for women and girls, we must turn this concentrated effort into an enduring, year-long commitment.

Here's how we can transform the 16 Days into 365 days of action:

1. Education and Awareness: Implement comprehensive educational programs that teach gender equality, consent, and respect from an early age. Engage schools, communities, and workplaces to promote healthy relationships and challenge harmful stereotypes.

2. Policy and Advocacy: Advocate for stronger legal frameworks and policies that protect women's rights and hold perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable. Support organizations working to eradicate violence against women through lobbying and activism.

3. Community Engagement: Foster a supportive environment where survivors feel empowered to seek help without fear of stigma. Encourage community initiatives that provide resources, shelters, and counselling for those affected by violence.

4. Empowerment and Support: Empower women economically and socially. Create opportunities for skill-building, entrepreneurship, and leadership, enabling women to become financially independent and assert their rights.

5. Men and Boys as Allies: Engage men and boys as allies in the fight against gender-based violence. Encourage conversations around toxic masculinity, and promote positive masculinity to dismantle harmful behaviours and attitudes.

6. Continuous Advocacy: Extend the momentum beyond the 16-day period. Sustain campaigns, workshops, and discussions throughout the year to keep the dialogue alive and drive lasting change.

As individuals, communities, and organizations, we have a collective responsibility to dismantle the structures that perpetuate violence against women. Beyond the 16 Days of Activism, let's commit to creating a society where every day is dedicated to ending gender-based violence. It's not just about awareness; it's about sustained, concerted action. Together, let's transform the fight against gender-based violence from a campaign into a relentless movement for change.