Why Soroptimists support and care about advocating during the 16 days of Activism.
The 16 Days is an annual international campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
During this time the voices of Soroptimists are amplified as we call for action against the persistent violence against women and girls, which is a violation of their human rights.
We know the statistics, they have not changed for decades, , we have all heard that this violence is committed against women on the basis of orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics, women and girls are especially at risk of violence during conflict, where sexual violence becomes a weapon of war.
The UN’s theme for 2023 is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,” the UN site states “The COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts and climate change have exacerbated the risks for this violence and generated new threats, amplifying the vulnerability of women and girls.”
This year, the 5 Federations have joined to have a united theme for the 16 Days, this theme is “Wired for Change”. Techs impact on gender based abuse. Wired for Change looks at the impact that technology has had in shaping gender-based abuse and violence; how it has been a force for bad but also how it has impacted the world positively.
Soroptimist involvement in providing services on a local level in our communities cannot be understated. Throughout the year your personal and soroptimist commitment ensures the conversation is kept current, your advocacy and actions create opportunities for women’s empowerment. During the 16 Days, these actions are heighten as we UNITE to amplify our voices for the change we desire a world free from violence in all its forms.
Use the media and toolkits provided from Soroptimist International and our own Federation to show your support to ending Violence against Women.
Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
