Sistah Sistah Foundation’s Post

What if the solution to ending gender-based violence lies within the hands of #men and #boys? In Nigeria, 1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner- UNICEF An average of 12 women are killed by their intimate partners daily in South Africa- (SA Police Service, 2020) An estimated 736 million women have been subjected to physical /and or sexual intimate partner violence. As we continue to grapple with the devastating effects of gender-based violence, it's clear that we need a multifaceted approach to address this complex issue. At THE BOYTHRIVE INITIATIVE, we believe that teaching men and boys how to handle violent situations and promoting positive masculinity is crucial in preventing gender-based violence. The 2023 femicide cases reported by the UN women are alarming which calls for collective action. Femicide is the killing of women and girls because of their gender. By grooming men to be allies and advocates for women's rights, we can create a ripple effect of change that promotes a culture of respect, empathy, and equality. Together, we can: 📌Prevent gender-based violence by promoting healthy relationships and challenging toxic masculinity 📌Support survivors of gender-based violence and provide them with access to resources and services 📌Create a community of male allies who will stand in solidarity with women and girls to promote gender equality Let's join forces to create a world where everyone can live free from violence and discrimination. Will you join in this fight against gender based violence and be part of the solution? #Femicide #GenderBasedViolence #PositiveMasculinity #MaleAllies #EmpoweringMenAndBoys #16daysofactivismagainstGBV #EndVAWG

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. As we enter the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV), we pause to reflect on how far we have come. For the first time this year, we are seeing attacks on women officially referred to as "femicide". A bill has passed through to the Senate for consideration, which would make "coercive control" a criminal offence. If you are unfamiliar with these terms, I encourage you to look them up. Let's work together to make the world a safer place for everyone. #coercivecontrol #femicide #endGBV #endVAW https://lnkd.in/edb67ReR

Violence against women and girls is an emotional and painful topic for me to write about. It's now 12:30 am, and despite numerous attempts, I am struggling to pen down a short article on the ongoing rise in gender violence and rape. It deeply frustrates me how years of effort dedicated to advancing gender equality and advocating for better treatment of women seem to be yielding little progress. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the reality of gender-based violence, revealing that the issue had never been fully addressed. The abusers weren't stopped—they were merely preoccupied before the pandemic. The Lockdown initiative that was instituted by most of the countries to curb the spreading of the virus, opened up a can of worms that was sitting there waiting. So what if a lockdown happens as often, how many women and girls will be abused because of it? If 2024 has taught me anything, it's that gender-based violence has worsened. A tragic example is the Ugandan former Olympic athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who recently died after being doused with petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. Another horrifying case is that of Gisele Pelicot, whose husband drugged her and facilitated her gang rape by 50 men. These appalling events only highlight that despite years of advocacy and activism, the fight against gender-based violence is far from over. It’s high time society, governments, and institutions move beyond lip service to implementing effective legal and social frameworks that provide real protection for women and girls, and end this violence once and for all. Without tangible action, we will continue to relive these painful stories repeatedly. #SoNoToGenderBasedVoilence #GenderEquaility

#Day10 of the #16DaysofActivism: Faith Leaders Unite Against Gender-Based Violence. Today marks Day 10 of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This day is dedicated to highlighting the pivotal role of faith leaders in advocating for the end of violence against women and girls. In many communities, faith leaders hold significant influence and can lead the charge in promoting gender justice and fostering safe, supportive environments for survivors. Key Points for Today: - #FaithBasedAdvocacy: Faith leaders can use their platforms to speak out against gender-based violence, emphasizing the moral and ethical imperative to protect and respect all individuals, especially women and girls. - #CommunityEngagement:Religious institutions can serve as safe havens, offering support and resources for those affected by violence. Engaging the community in open discussions about gender equality can help challenge harmful norms and behaviors. - #EducationandAwareness: Educating congregations about the realities of gender-based violence and the importance of gender equality is crucial. Faith leaders can provide guidance on how to support survivors and prevent violence. - #CollaborativeEfforts:Partnering with local organizations and governmental bodies can strengthen efforts to combat gender-based violence. Faith leaders can play a key role in these collaborative initiatives by bringing together diverse stakeholders. - #SupportforSurvivors:Faith leaders and their communities can offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support to survivors, helping them on their journey to healing and empowerment. #CalltoAction: Let’s unite with faith leaders to raise awareness, advocate for justice, and take concrete actions to end gender-based violence. Every voice counts in creating a world where everyone can live free from fear and harm. Share your stories, spread awareness, and join the movement to make a difference. Together, we can create a safer, more just world for all. #16Days #EndViolence #FaithLeadersUnite #GenderJustice African Council of Religious Leaders - Religions for Peace @EIFDDA Peacemakers Network Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Faith to Action Network Leading Lady Empire Musawah

An interesting observation was made during a dialogue to end physical and humiliating punishment a few days ago: “The data shows a higher # of boys experiencing physical violence compared to the # of girls, and the opposite picture between women and men ; a higher # of women experience physical violence than the # of men. It was clear that violence boys experience and learn as children becomes their “useful tool” into their adulthood to oppress and victimise women. Break the cycle of Violence! #16 days #EndVAC #EndGBV

Every day, countless women experience violence from those they trust and love. 38% of murders of women worldwide are committed by male intimate partners (UNODC, 2019). This tragic statistic represents lives lost, families broken, and communities grieving. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a societal crisis fueled by unequal power, stigma, and systemic failures. To break this cycle, we must: - Educate: Challenge harmful gender norms. -Advocate: Demand justice and protection for survivors. -Support: Create safe spaces and resources for women. No woman should live in fear. During the 16 Days of Activism, let’s act to end GBV and build a world where every woman is safe. _ #AYGF #AfricaYouthGrowthFoundation #16DaysOfActivism #UNiTE #EndGBV #GenderBasedViolence

𝟏𝟔 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟓 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 - 𝟏𝟎 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒. Gender Based Violence cuts across all Genders but Women are the most victims of GBV. It is again that time of the year when women across the globe raises voices, clapping/sounding the drums, reminding everyone that 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 too. Another time of the year to 𝐔𝐍𝐢𝐓𝐄 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬". From November 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10 which is Human Rights Day, don't fail to give the world a sign that you're together with women in the fight to restore their dignity as humans too. It is important to raise public awareness that gender-based violence not only stems from sexual harassment but also from one’s words, actions, and beliefs; from sexist jokes to the language we use to rigid gender norms that are imposed on children. This then shows us that over 80% of women have gone through Gender Based Violence knowingly or unknowingly. During this period allow women to share their stories and encourage each other with a lot of positivity since unity is strength. We all have stories to tell, I have a story to tell too! At Women Achievers Africa , we have been preparing our members mentally, psychologically and emotionally to sound the drum/create awareness about the 16 Days of Activism and learn about gender-based violence in our communities. Mentorship sessions have been actively taking place to ensure not anyone of us is left out in this fight to stop Gender Based Violence because it's against Humans Rights! #ContinuedSupportOfWomen #EmpoweringWomenAgainstGBV #16DaysOfActivisim #𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬,𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬. #UniteToEndViolenceAgainstWomenAndGirls

Femicide, the intentional killing of women and girls due to their gender is a pervasive violation of human rights and the most extreme manifestation of gender based violence. It arises from entrenched gender inequalities, harmful cultural norms, and systemic failures to safeguard women and girls. Globally, over 81,000 women and girls were intentionally killed in 2021, with more than half of these crimes committed by intimate partners or family members. Despite strides in gender equality, femicide remains alarmingly underreported and inadequately addressed, with justice systems often failing victims. In Kenya, the reality is starkly similar. The country has witnessed a rise in #femicide cases, with high-profile incidents underscoring the severity of the issue. Yet many cases remain unreported due to societal stigma, fear of reprisal, and gaps in the justice system. Deeply rooted patriarchal norms, economic dependency, and a lack of accessible support services perpetuate this cycle of violence. For many women and girls, the risk of violence remains a daily threat, and the lack of accountability emboldens perpetrators. Addressing femicide demands urgent and concerted action. Strengthening and enforcing legislation against #GBV is critical to ensuring justice for victims and deterring future crimes. Equally important is fostering awareness to challenge harmful norms and promote gender equality across all levels of society. Engaging men and boys as allies in combating #GBV can also drive transformative change by dismantling the culture of silence and impunity. The fight against femicide is a collective responsibility. Governments, civil society, communities, and individuals must unite to prioritize prevention, support survivors, and ensure accountability for perpetrators. Ending #femicide is not just a moral imperative it is a critical step toward building a society where all women and girls can live free from violence and fear. #EndFemicide #16DaysOfActivism2024

November is White Ribbon Month. This is an opportunity to think about the impact of domestic violence in our communities. This year White Ribbon Day has been expanded into White Ribbon Month. It is a month which recognises the importance of re-educating society to shift understanding, attitudes and behaviours, to promote a safer world for women 👩🏽👱🏼♀️👩🏿👩🏻👱🏻♀️👩🏾 In my own world, I have friends, family and colleagues who are abuse survivors, some of whom have escaped domestic violence. I've witnessed first hand the trauma and destruction that it leaves behind, not just to the woman but to her children and wider family members. I also see White Ribbon month as a time to also think more broadly about family 👨👩👧 violence as a whole. There are children growing up in households across the world where family violence exists. As a mother of a young child myself, I can not even imagine a child having to witness and endure living in a household where there is violence. Now is the time for change! Now is the time to have important conversations to prevent violence, promote gender equality, and foster respectful, positive relationships. If you are thinking, well what can I do? Here are a few suggestions: 💥 share the parenting responsibilities at home 💥 role model respect in every interaction and relationship 💥 challenge and change yours and others around you attitude and behaviors that contribute to or condone violence against women. 💥 Promote conversations and education about the impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities. 💥 call out sexism 💥 be a safe haven to others 💥 Expand your knowledge and learn how to recognize the signs of domestic and family violence and the appropriate steps to support Together, let's strive for a society where there is no violence against women and families 🙏🏾 Visit whiteribbon.org.au/ to learn more about how we all can be part of the solution to ending violence against women and families #WhiteRibbonAustralia #StopDomesticViolence #GenderEquality #awarness #domesticviolence #endthecycle #familyviolence

During this16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (a global campaign led annually by UN Women), it is important to acknowledge the gendered nature of child sexual abuse and child maltreatment more broadly. A gender-based lens does not just focus on women and girls as victims of violence; it should also acknowledge that restrictive social norms about gender and sexuality also contribute to violence against boys, men and individuals with diverse gender identity and sexuality, including children and adolescents. The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (#ACMS) found that: 32.0% experienced physical abuse (28.2% of 16-24yo) 28.5% experienced sexual abuse (25.7% of 16-24yo) 30.9% experienced emotional abuse (34.6% of 16-24yo) 8.9% experienced neglect (10.3% of 16-24yo) 39.6% exposure to domestic violence (EDV) (43.8% of 16-24yo) We need to ensure there is a committed focus and investment for preventing child sexual abuse and maltreatment more broadly, and that rights and access to essential services for survivors (including secondary survivors) are provided for. #NoExcuse #16Days #16DaysOfActivism #ProtectKids