Thursday, 25 November 2021 marked the first day of 16 Days of Activism, focusing on the elimination of violence against women and children. The Mustadafin Foundation in partnership with several community-based organisations and public services is planning a combined 16 Days of Activism Campaign for standing up to violence against women and children.
The campaign’s program will include self-defense sessions, talks from local law enforcement who will be sharing information on the best ways to respond to scenarios of confrontation, and pop-up support clinics for women and children that have been victims of abuse.
“The reality is that violence against women and children is a global problem, and it requires each and every one of us to work together to overcome it. Even though this campaign highlights these issues for 16 days, it is important that we raise awareness and take part in the fight against violence every day,” says Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, director of Mustadafin. “We should not only take a stand against gender-based violence but also lobby, advocate and encourage everyone to work together towards finding lasting solutions to this problem. It also highlights the negative impact violence has on victims, families, and society in general.”
The goals of the campaign are to generate widespread awareness on the impacts of child and woman abuse and to share information on services that can help reduce the impact of violence on their lives.
“Working with different communities, we are establishing safe ways for victims of emotional, physical or sexual abuse, to speak out and seek help,” says Johnstone-Cassiem. “We are also actively engaging with men and boys in different communities about responding to violence in their surroundings in the safest and appropriate manner.”
“We would like to thank the unsung heroes who make a difference every day; they are the staff and volunteers of Mustadafin Foundation including the community members who play their part in making sure that their communities are safe for all,” says Johnstone-Cassiem.