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The 16 Days of Activism: No Violence against Women is a United Nations campaign that will be running from 25 November 2009 (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December 2009 (International Human Rights Day) to raise awareness of the impact that violence has on women and children. It runs annually and serves as a call for the elimination of all forms of violence against women, children, and also against men. IMPORTANT DATES DURING THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM 25 November 2009 - International Day for the elimination of Violence against Women The theme for 2009 is "Don't Look Away, Act against Abuse". The International Day for the elimination of Violence against Women launches the 16 Days of Activism campaign. It has been marked by women activists as a day against violence on women (and children) since 1981. It is celebrated in remembrance of the brutal assassination in 1960 of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, on orders of Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961). The day focuses on empowering women to stand up for their rights, but also turns to men to play a vital role in the elimination of gender-based violence. 1 December 2009 - World AIDS Day World AIDS Day is about increasing awareness, education and fighting prejudice. It reminds people that HIV has not gone away, and that many things still have to be done. During World AIDS campaign people are encouraged to wear a red ribbon to celebrate the health of people living with HIV and to remember those who have died of AIDS. The red ribbon is the international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all the year round, and particularly around World AIDS Day, to show care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment. Current studies show that the population age groups most at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS are: African females (20- 34 years of age), African males (25- 49 years of age) and males over 50 years of age. 3 December 2009 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities This day aims to promote understanding of disability issues, the rights of persons with disabilities and the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. It provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to participate in activities aimed at creating an inclusive (of people with a disability) environment. At present approximately 3.4% of people in the Western Cape live with a disability. 10 December 2009 - International Human Rights Day Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, despite nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. International Human Rights Day celebrates the day that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations. With the 2010 Soccer World Cup coming up, a special focus is placed on human trafficking issues. At present the Western Cape is in the process of putting together a Child Protection Plan that will assist in the protection against and prevention of human trafficking of children. Although the 16 days are focused on the period 25 November to 10 December, we need to start looking at not only a 16 day-campaign, but rather a 365 day-campaign to ensure that awareness regarding gender-based violence is raised throughout the year and mainstreamed into all our programmes. We ask all WCED employees to join us in focusing on these 16 days and doing their part to raise awareness on gender-based violence and human rights issues. During this period we also encourage all employees (especially men) to participate in and advocate activities and programmes regarding the elimination of gender-based violence. SIGNED: S CYSTER |