November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a global campaign that continues until December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Described by the UN as “the most widespread but least visible human rights violation in the world,” gender-based violence massively affects African women. In 2018, a World Health Organization (WHO) survey revealed that 65% of women in Central Africa and 40% in West Africa have experienced violence. These figures are below reality, according to women’s rights associations. Indeed, fear of stigmatization too often discourages victims from denouncing their aggressor. And these figures have been significantly worsened by the coronavirus pandemic since 2020.
Studies show that 16 to 58% of women worldwide experience technology-facilitated gender-based violence, with young women being particularly affected, especially Generation Z and Millennials.
In conflict, war, or humanitarian crisis contexts, 70% of women are victims of gender-based violence.
In 2023, a woman was intentionally killed by her partner or a family member every 10 minutes worldwide. The gender-based violence crisis is urgent.
In 2024, as violence persists and femicides increase alarmingly in several parts of the world and in Africa, it becomes urgent to remind that what some consider “trivial” often constitutes the deep roots of more serious violence.
Origins Tinged with Blood
The date of November 25 was not chosen randomly. It commemorates the brutal assassination of the Mirabal sisters in 1960 in the Dominican Republic, who became symbols of female resistance against dictatorship. The color orange, adopted by the campaign, symbolizes a brighter future, free from gender violence. It recalls the dawn of a new day, bringing hope for the millions of women who still suffer today.
Unwavering International Mobilization
The United Nations, through UN Women, coordinates this global campaign in collaboration with numerous organizations:
- UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) which works for reproductive health and women’s rights
- International NGOs like Equality Now and Women Deliver
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with his UNITE campaign
- Local associations working on the ground, closest to the victims
In Africa, organizations like WILDAF (Women in Law and Development in Africa) and the Association of Women Lawyers wage a daily battle for access to justice and victim protection.
By adapting solutions to regional realities, where public awareness campaigns fail to convince husbands or men to ban violence against women, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and influential women appear as more legitimate intermediaries and mediators than NGOs, which are often perceived as disconnected from the realities of more conservative populations.
Persistent Obstacles: Between Tradition and Impunity
Despite these efforts, the figures remain alarming. In Africa, the rate of femicides continues to increase, fueled by several factors:
- The persistence of harmful traditional practices such as FGM, early and forced marriages…
- Impunity for aggressors in certain countries (for example, if it’s a family member, people prefer to “keep it in the family rather than go to court”)
- Women’s economic dependence
- The social silence surrounding these violences
- The trivialization of “minor” daily violence… etc.
Devastating Consequences at All Levels
GBV has profound repercussions:
On victims:
- Lasting psychological trauma
- Chronic physical health problems
- Social isolation
- Economic difficulties
On society:
- Massive economic costs for health systems
- Impact on productivity
- Intergenerational transmission of trauma
- Weakening of social and family fabric…
- An implicit message of support for aggressors rather than victims through behaviors such as silence, questioning the victim’s morality, making them feel guilty…
Acting at All Levels: A Collective Imperative
For citizens:
- Break the silence and denounce violence they witness
- Educate children, both boys and girls, in respect for equality
- Support local associations
- Deconstruct gender stereotypes in daily life
- Be available to support a victim of gender-based violence, especially without judgment
For governments:
- Strengthen legal frameworks
- Make laws protecting women and girls accessible
- Allocate sufficient resources to prevention programs and more accepted intermediaries in certain parts of the continent
- Train law enforcement and judicial personnel
- Create more shelters for victims
- Implement women’s economic empowerment programs and properly fund projects led by women
For civil society organizations:
- Maintain pressure on decision-makers
- Document cases of violence
- Raise community awareness and develop field work tools adapted to each population
- Offer direct support to victims by creating a safe space free from judgment but full of compassion and listening
“It May Seem Trivial but…”: Deconstructing Trivialization
What might seem “trivial” – a sexist remark, abusive control, restriction of freedom – often constitutes the first link in a chain of more serious violence. The trivialization of these “minor” daily violences contributes to creating an environment conducive to more extreme forms of violence. It’s trivial until it becomes fatal!
These 16 days of activism remind us that the fight against GBV requires collective awareness: no form of violence is acceptable, none is “trivial.” Every gesture counts, every voice that rises makes a difference. The responsibility for change lies with each of us.
In this 2024 activism period, let’s remember that change begins with recognizing that these violences, even apparently “trivial” ones, are unacceptable and must be fought with the same determination as their most extreme manifestations.
There are no excuses!
Pélagie Blewussi