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South Africa is still home to high levels of violence against its women and children, despite a world-renowned Constitution and a legislative overhaul that safeguards women's and children's rights. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign that came from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991. It runs from November 25, the International Day Against Violence Against Women to December 10 which is International Human Rights Day. These dates were chosen to symbolically link violence against women with human rights violations. One of the objectives of the 16 days of activism is to attract all South Africans to be activists and participants in the fight to STOP women and child abuse and violence in the country.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign challenges South Africans to declare a truce on violence against women and children - and, ultimately, to make it a permanent one. For the 16th year, South Africa is taking part in the global 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

With the theme "Count me in: Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward", was officially launched by President Zuma on 25 November 2015. While the campaign runs only for 16 days each year, its objectives are reinforced by a year-long programme and a national plan to combat abuse. The government, business, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and the media are all participating in the drive to increase awareness of the negative impact of violence and abuse on women and children.

The campaign also aims to:

• Challenge the perpetrators of violence to change their behaviour;
• Involve men in helping to eradicate violence;
• Provide survivors with information on services and
• Organisations that can help lessen the impact of violence on their lives.

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.

Other ways of supporting the campaign include the following:

• Speak out against woman and child abuse;
• Encourage silent female victims to challenge abuse, and ensure that they get help;
• Report child abuse to the police immediately;
• Encourage children to report bullying behaviour to school authorities;
• Men and boys are encouraged to talk about abuse and actively discourage abusive behaviour;
• Families must stick together to create a safe environment for women and children;
• Parents and adults can make sure that children are not exposed to inappropriate sexual and violent material;
• Volunteer some of your time and energy in support of a non- governmental organisation or community group working in your area to help abused women and children;
• Use your life skills and knowledge to help support victims of abuse;
• Seek help if you are emotionally, physically or sexually abusive to your partner and/or children.
  

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