16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence – GBV

To achieve the 1st 90 of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 vision APIN joined the rest of the world to commemorate this year 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – GBV is one of the modes of transmitting HIV, all people are affected by GBV but Women and Girls are more affected due to Lack of Control over resources, widowhood issues, preference for a male child, female genital mutilation etc. To kick start the activists for this year APIN Gender Team have lined up activities one of which is the collaboration with other Gender working groups to make an impact. The Oyo Gender Team joined Tabitha-Care Mission to organise a one-day Event as follows: Report of Events: *About 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence was taken by the convener Bola Thompson – 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was initiated in 1991 by the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute, held by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University, USA. Currently, more than 3,700 organizations from approximately 164 countries participate in the campaign annually. This was Followed by Rachael Iyanda who spoke on: *What is Gender-Based Violence? She defined it as any kind of ill, abusive treatment suffered as a result of your gender. Types, symptoms and effects were enumerated. *Tope Akinola talked about Prevention of GBV, from her talk it was clear to all participants that Prevention is golden. *Babajide Adetoro coordinated the session for Experience sharing – where people had the opportunity to speak out, the lesson from this session is that violence cut across gender, social status and religions. There is some follow-up to be done. *Bola Thompson talked on Response to Post GBV – Caring for survivors: it is important for survivors to speak out if they must be helped. Services available: medical, PSS, police and legal, emergency shelter etc. *Marcus Williams coordinated Questions & Answers session – GBV&Divorce, lack of openness, indecisive nature of some victims etc. were discussed. A lot of follow up for survivors required: More Volunteers promised to join #VoiceAgainstViolence. LIWOM pledged financial support for volunteers transport and phone calls. Attendance: 55 participants, 6 Males 49 Females The event was a huge success, ends at 4.25 pm Story by: Mrs Bola Thompson