JOINING THE GLOBAL 16 DAYS ACTIVISM TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

28 Nov

Every year, communities around the world unite to end gender-based violence through the “16 Days Activism” campaign, and this year, the global movement campaigns under the theme of “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.” United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."

This issue, influenced by various factors, has been prevalent in world communities for many years. Recent developments such as the pandemic, expanding digitalisation, conflicts, and climate change have heightened the risks faced by women and girls, exposing them to increased instances of violence.

International student communities, without exception, remain vulnerable to various forms of violence, with many incidents going unreported due to several factors. These include a lack of comprehension of these crimes, the societal stigma surrounding such issues, the challenges of being in a foreign country, and insufficient education regarding available support for victims. Research indicates that international students are more likely to be victims of crime rather than perpetrators. Furthermore, studies suggest that acts of violence against female international students in private settings are believed to be more prevalent than violent incidents occurring in public spaces in Australia.

The Importance of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign

Violence against women and girls stands as a critical global issue. According to UN reports, approximately 736 million women, representing nearly one-third of the female population aged 15 and above worldwide, have encountered physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or a combination of both at least once in their lifetime. This emphasises the gravity and prevalence of the problem in families and communities. The pervasive violence against women and girls contributes to instability within families and communities globally, leading to heightened mental, physical health, and social challenges, as well as a lack of productivity and sustainable development in countries.

The multifaceted 16-Days Activism initiative, from November 25th to December 10th, urges the international community to unite in preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls. The initiative seeks to heighten awareness of the issue, provide education on prevention measures, and encourage investment in organisations and communities actively working to eradicate violence against women and girls.

How can international students participate in this initiative?

Your voice holds significant power!

International students have the opportunity to actively engage in their university communities, serving as advocates for the eradication of violence against women and girls. In this digital age, students can leverage social media platforms to educate audiences on this critical issue. By creating videos and posts, students contribute creatively to the campaign. Your voice is instrumental in reshaping negative attitudes within communities that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

Equip yourself with knowledge!

Take advantage of educational resources provided by organisations such as the United Nations, UN Women, and Respect Victoria. These platforms offer a wealth of materials, data, and services to enhance your understanding. Familiarise yourself with signs, issues, and preventive measures, empowering yourself to recognise when action is needed and to provide support.

Foster supportive communities to champion the cause.

As an international student, you have the opportunity to join and champion organisations and communities dedicated to women and youth empowerment. Contribute to the strengthening of laws, policies, and services aimed at ending gender-based violence, supporting women in realising their full potential.

Remember, even your smallest efforts can create a ripple of positive change in society. Your actions have the potential to save lives and contribute to the creation of a safer and more respectful world for every woman and girl.

Join the 16 Days of Activism Campaign!

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