Beyond the 16 Days! Sustaining Actions for Change

By Ruth Okafor

Each year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence serves as a distressing reminder of the ongoing struggle to eradicate violence against women and other vulnerable groups worldwide. Reflecting on this initiative, it is clear that our commitment must extend beyond these 16 days. While efforts in awareness, policy formulation, and implementation have advanced, the gruesome stories of violence remind us of the work still needed. These cases emphasize the urgency for action and concrete steps to address gender-based violence (GBV) globally.

That said, I must reiterate that the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism is not just a ceremonial marking on the calendar; it represents an essential effort to intensify awareness and generate momentum for ending the scourge of gender-based violence. This period is a call to elevate the voices of survivors and galvanize actionable change that resonates beyond these days. However, to bring about substantial and lasting change, activism must transcend these symbolic observances and become a constant pursuit of justice and equality.

Notably, this year alone has seen heartbreaking stories from around the globe that reiterate the need for a constant reminder of the societal menace of gender-based violence. 

For instance, there was a case involving a 17-year-old girl who was detained for allegedly receiving stolen property and was subsequently raped by a law enforcement officer in Edo State, Nigeria. Imagine an enforcer of the law forcing himself on a 17-year-old girl.

Additionally, we mourned the tragic loss of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was killed by her partner, reminding us of the deadly consequences of intimate partner violence.

Another saddening case is that of Gisela Pericot, who was raped and drugged multiple times by her husband and other men. Gisela’s public declaration against victim shaming marks a pivotal moment in the fight against gender-based violence, emphasizing the need to shift the narrative of shame toward perpetrators rather than survivors.

These are only a few reported cases; many others go unreported due to stigma and lack of trust in the justice system. This highlights the urgent need for systemic change. Furthermore, cultural norms can silence survivors, preventing them from seeking help or justice. Overcoming these barriers is essential to empower victims to speak out. This underscores the necessity for greater awareness and concrete actions by stakeholders. They must make commitments that translate into sustainable policies and actions. 

How can we sustain momentum beyond these 16 Days?

1. Accountability and Follow-Up: Every year, numerous commitments are made by various stakeholders, especially government and community leaders. We must ask clear-cut questions to track progress and accountability to ensure they uphold these commitments made during activism events. Specific, timely reminders and monitoring systems should be prioritized to keep commitments in focus. This could involve civic organizations and active citizens demanding accountability through quarterly evaluations of policy implementations or changes.
2. Promote Local Engagement: As a believer in local solutions to solve global challenges, fostering community-driven initiatives that address cultural and contextual aspects of gender-based violence will further dismantle existing harmful beliefs. Strengthening local government involvement is crucial for sustaining dialogue and preventive measures at the grassroots level. Engaging Religious and Traditional leaders to take charge in addressing these issues will facilitate a bottom-up approach to societal change, significantly aiding in eliminating various forms of violence in our society.
3. Support Victim-Centric Solutions: Creating safe spaces where survivors are heard, believed, and supported without being judged. Amplifying their voices and prioritizing their needs in policy discussions is essential. Encouraging media narratives that highlight stories of resilience while demanding justice for survivors—rather than perpetuating shame—is crucial.

To effectively combat GBV, we must move beyond campaigns and slogans to implement year-round, actionable strategies that address the SYSTEMIC causes of GBV. Which include community education and awareness; technology for safety, and breaking the cycle of silence. Not forgetting that in addressing GBV strict accountability for perpetrators is required which must include; 

• Swift Justice for survivors
• ⁠Rehabilitation Programs for 
• Public Registers for perpetrators
• Zero Tolerance in Institutions

Finally, we must always remember that GBV is not insurmountable; it requires collective will and continuous action from everyone to overcome it. Beyond the 16 Days of Activism, we must commit to a future where safety, dignity, and justice for all are non-negotiable. Every voice matters in shaping this change—your voice can be the difference. Stand with survivors! Let us move from commitments to actionable plans as a society.

AboutTitus Tukurah