16 Days – why not 365 days?
The United Nations is marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence from 25 November to 10 December 2021, under the global theme set by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign: “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”
16 Days of Activism is:
- too short to capture the pain and angst women and girls have experienced across the world.
- too fleeting to explain the long term affects of violence against women means to society.
- too brief to create the collective impact needed to stop violence against women.
I am one of many women who may be able to tell you a shortened version of my story in a passing conversation, or throughout 16 days, but I would leave out the shame, impact, triggers, mental anguish, pain, grief, heartache, sadness and longer-term suffering and lack of self-esteem that sits inside of us for so many years.
In 2021, Australia is on track for at least one woman to be killed each week.
As we raise up awareness of the 16 Days of Activism, we also rise up in silence for the women and girls that we have lost – amidst a pandemic that has exacerbated the violence.
No matter what your socio-economic or cultural background, violence again women is widespread and 16 days is not enough to stop the unimaginable.
The hidden secret within our suburbs needs to be addressed, confronted and stopped. It should not be stigmatic to speak out about the humiliation of gender discrimination.
No matter what your socio-economic or cultural background, violence again women is widespread and 16 days is not enough to stop the unimaginable.
The hidden secret within our suburbs needs to be addressed, confronted and stopped. It should not be stigmatic to speak out about the humiliation of gender discrimination.
My identity today is my power and as I have learnt to be grateful for my scars, I must speak up for those who are silenced.
I may be older now, but I speak for and represent generations haunted by the actions of others.
My identity today is my power and as I have learnt to be grateful for my scars I must speak up for those who are silenced. This two-edge sword allows me to fight for a better future for women of all ages who live in fear and reprisal should they speak out against violence.
16 days is good to amplify the voices of women who have yet to find their strength but it’s not long enough to change the game for the generations to come.
I remembered a video from a few years ago from Norway about a child unborn. It’s quite moving, has a little course language, but well worth watching. It’s only 5 minutes – please try to watch.
