Amplifying Impact: #16DaysofActivism Around the World
Posted: November 25. 2023
As we step into November, a month of significance for global activism, we are thrilled to be shining the spotlight on the incredible events and initiatives led by our members around the world in honor of #16DaysofActivism. This month serves as a powerful reminder that collective action knows no boundaries. From local communities to international platforms, the fight against FGM/C unites us in a shared mission.
Reflecting on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we find inspiration in the words of Caitlin LeMay, the Director of The U.S. End FGM/C Network, who stated, “On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, it’s important to highlight the progress that has been made in the United States to end gender-based violence, including FGM/C, but also to recognize the work that still needs to be done. A large part of the incredible strides that have been made in the U.S. and around the world are due to the tireless advocacy of our members, some of whom are highlighted below. We must continue to advocate for the human rights of girls and women and to ensure that all forms of gender-based violence are eliminated, not only in the U.S. but worldwide.”
Our members, with their unwavering dedication, are contributing to the wave of awareness and change that defines the essence of the #16DaysofActivism campaign. In this blog post, we invite you to journey with us across continents and cultures as we showcase the diverse range of events, discussions, and initiatives carried out by our members. Though there is much work to be done, we celebrate progress, amplify voices, and inspire action against FGM/C.
Throughout the #16DaysofActivism, TATLI will conduct the following activities: make television and radio appearances, have their work in newspapers; conduct mass prevention and public awareness raising campaign targeting children and young women in schools, colleges and universities; provide capacity building and training to law enforcement agencies (police, migration, CSOs, Youth Councils and Women Groups in collaboration with Social Welfare Department, Judiciary, local government ministries, Ministry for Gender and children and DPP on the essence and significance of the #16DaysofActivism; conduct working session with parliament and have national dialogue for all stakeholders fighting against FGM.
WAVE Foundation‘s team members will be moderating and speaking at an event on December 8th that is being facilitated by UN Women Nigeria and African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Nigeria. Register here.
Global Girls Worldwide Women will be commemorating the #16DaysofActivism by sharing ways for individuals to get involved in the movement to end gender-based violence everyday on their X and instagram accounts.
Healthy Tomorrow will be hosting two fundraising events; December 2nd and 3rd from 10am-4pm at St James Church at 1991 Mass Ave in Cambridge, MA and from 10am-4pm at 6 William St Somerville, MA on December 9th and 10th; of rugs and vintage housewares to raise money for their work in Mali to end FGM.
A Girl At A Time is running two campaigns, one to support adolescent girls mental health in Sierra Leone and the other to amplify the voices of survivors and activists.
Sahiyo, Asian Women’s Shelter, and Silence Speaks will host an informal one-hour webinar on trauma-informed storytelling to address gender-based violence on Tuesday, November 28th at 4pm PST/7pm EST. You can register here.
Save Visions Africa plans to do follow-up activities for the same communities they are currently working in. This includes re-production and distribution of 50,000 anti-FGM/C stickers for doors and vehicles; survivors counseling and assistances and M&E, reports and documentation.
Globalizing Gender is sponsoring Above the Mezzanine: Technology at the Intersection of Gender Based Violence on December 6th in New York City. Above the Mezzanine: Technology at the Intersection of Gender Based Violence is a panel discussion exploring possibility. While many consider the status quo the “ceiling” on GBV service delivery, statistics indicate that while protocols have improved, new interventions are required. This discussion allows practitioners and technologists alike to explore what service-oriented technology is under development and to explore what might be created to close the gap ‘above the mezzanine’ of current GBV service delivery. Register here.
LAST MILE 4D and The Network of NGOs of Trinidad and Tobago for the Advancement of Women is hosting a panel discussion on “Intersectionality of Innovation and Positive Masculinity to Prevent Gender-Based Violence” on December 10th. Register here to be a part of this conversation.
The FGM Taskforce of the Greater Los Angeles Area will conduct an FGM training session for medical students at Jefferson College on December 11th. Additionally, they will participate in the grand opening of a women’s shelter in downtown LA on December 18th. This shelter is dedicated to providing a safe haven and transitional living for women who have experienced abuse, with a specific focus on FGM/C survivors.
Take us along your #16DaysofActivism activities by tagging us on our social media platforms @usendfgmnetwork.