GOV’T LAUNCHED 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Stop violence poster. Photo credit: ificould.co.za

Stop violence poster. Photo credit: ificould.co.za

The National Government has officially launched the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence Campaign in the country.

The campaign begins with the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, which falls annually on November 25 today.

The UN-designated event is to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence.

One of the aims of the day is to highlight that the scale and true nature of the issue are often hidden.

The theme for 2014 is ‘Orange your Neighbourhood’, and it is framed by the UN Secretary-General’s campaign Unite to End Violence against Women.

In Honiara this evening, hundreds of advocators against violence marched along the main street in Honiara to commemorate the International Day of Elimination of Violence.

An officer of the Family Support Centre, Roberta Ramoifuila, told SIBC News, the march is in remembrance of all women who died because of violence.

“We started from Lawson Tama coming down to Art Gallery. This is to mark the start of 16 days of Activism in remembrance of women who died through all forms of violence.”

SIBC News understands the 2014 theme for the Solomon Islands 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence Campaign is “Hapi Family, Hapi Kandere: Endim Vaelens Insaed lo Hom”.

Meanwhile, SIBC’s Frederick Kusu reports from the Art Gallery in Honiara, a number of dignitaries are attending the event.

The event is to launch the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign, and the UN-designated Day to raise awareness on eliminating violence against women.

Frederick reports, the Police Commissioner, Frank Prendergast and RAMSI Special Coordinator, Justin Braithwaite are among the guests attending the launch at the Art Gallery this evening.

“This is a global campaign dedicated to ending gender-based violence, which falls annually on 25 December. Invited guests include Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast, RAMSI Special Coordinator Justine Braithwaite, the PPF Commander and Sir Nathaniel Waena.”

SIBC News understands the 16 Days Campaign begins today, and continues until the International Human Rights Day on December 10.

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