The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 16 days of activism under the global theme “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE! Invest to Stop Violence Against Girls and Women! #NoExcuse.” The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence is an annual international campaign that starts on 25 November and ends on 10 December. Gender-based violence remains a global pandemic that has ramifications running deeper than other social endemics. The results have seen many women and girls being killed, maimed, or scared both physically and psychologically for life.
The 16 Days of Activism is an annual event that brings together individuals, organisations, and governments worldwide to raise awareness and take action to end GBV. It is a time to stand in solidarity with survivors, advocate for effective policies, and work toward eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. This year, the theme is particularly significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was a landmark agreement that committed countries to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls. You may download the Declaration here.
The ongoing El Niño-induced drought currently affecting Zimbabwe has significantly exacerbated the prevalence of gender-based violence in many communities. As the drought continues to impact food security and access to clean water, many families face increased stress and economic hardship. In such challenging circumstances, women and girls often bear the brunt of the crisis, with rising tensions within households leading to higher incidences of domestic violence. Furthermore, the scarcity of resources has led to increased rates of transactional sex, exploitation, and early marriages as families struggle to survive. This situation compounds the vulnerability of women and girls, making them more susceptible to various forms of GBV. The strain on community resources also hampers access to support services, leaving survivors of GBV with fewer options for assistance. As we continue to respond to the climate crisis, it is crucial that we also address its intersection with gender-based violence and ensure that climate adaptation strategies are gender-sensitive, providing support and protection to those most affected. This campaign is a call to action to raise awareness and push for investments in prevention, support services for survivors, and legal frameworks that hold perpetrators accountable. We believe that an investment in the safety and empowerment of women and girls is an investment in the future of our nation.
The theme, “UNiTE! Invest to Stop Violence Against Girls and Women! #NoExcuse,” underscores the importance of concerted action at all levels. It calls for increased funding, resources, and policy initiatives that prioritize the safety and rights of women and girls. There is no excuse for GBV, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from violence and discrimination.
NANGO, through its networks and partnerships, is committed to using these 16 Days of Activism to not only raise awareness but also to advocate for the full implementation of the laws and frameworks that protect women and girls from violence. This includes promoting the Domestic Violence Act, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, the Trafficking in Persons Act, and other legislative instruments that seek to safeguard women’s rights.
We call upon all NANGO members, partners, and stakeholders to join us in this vital movement. Whether through organising awareness campaigns, supporting survivors, or engaging with local authorities and policymakers, each of us has a role to play in ending GBV. Together, we can make a difference and build a world where women and girls live free from fear and violence.
We encourage all our members and stakeholders to actively participate and show their support in whatever way they can. Social media, community engagement, and public events will play a critical role in raising awareness and generating discussions around this issue. Use the hashtag #NoExcuse to show your commitment to ending gender-based violence and join the conversation globally.
In addition, NANGO will continue to work with its members and partners to ensure that women and girls have access to justice, healthcare, and the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives. We are committed to contributing to the realization of the Beijing Platform for Action’s goal of achieving gender equality and ending violence against women and girls.
We look forward to your continued support and active participation during this critical period and beyond. Together, let’s make the world a better place to be for all.
Let us unite, invest, and act—because there is no excuse for gender-based violence.