Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices
Zero gender-based violence and harmful practices. We work with policymakers, justice systems and health systems and engage men and boys to advance gender equality. We protect survivors of gender-based violence by providing a combination of essential services, including in humanitarian crises.
The 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is an international campaign that commences on 25 November—the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women—and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
The UN supports this civil society-led campaign through the “United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women Campaign (UNiTE)”. The UNiTE campaign utilizes the colour orange to represent a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls, as a unifying theme running through all of its global activities.
UNFPA’s 16 Days of Activism campaigns have raised awareness, mobilized advocacy and inspired action to combat gender-based violence in its many forms: sexual harassment, child marriage, female genital mutilation, intimate partner violence and rape, among other atrocities.
Wherever women and girls are is where UNFPA is, fighting for their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
UNFPA Tanzania 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence Engagements
Context
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign kicks off on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on December 10th , International Human Rights Day. This year's campaign in Tanzania aligns with the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Special Provision Act (SOSPA), enacted in 1998 to safeguard the personal integrity, dignity, liberty, and security of women and children.
The 2023 Campaign Theme
The Campaign theme in 2023, under the global unite campaign is : "UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls.
This theme aims to mobilize all stakeholders in their mandate and positions to include, civil society and women’s rights organizations, organizations working with men and boys, government partners, human rights defenders, schools, universities, private sector, sports clubs, associations, individuals and general public at large to invest in activities for the prevention of gender based violence, particularly violence against women and children which is alarming, to stand in solidarity with women’s rights activists and to support feminist movements around the world to resist the rollback on women’s rights and calling for a society free from GBV.
UNFPA (supported/directly implemented) 16DoA Activities
The Press Conference on November 1, 2023, Dar es Salaam
The GBV MKUKI Coalition, in collaboration with the Government and Development Partners including UNFPA, will host a joint Press Conference in Dar es Salaam on November 1, 2023. The purpose of this conference is to disseminate information to the general public regarding the forthcoming 16 Days of Activism (16 DoA) campaign and how everyone can actively participate in breaking the cycle of violence. Distinguished attendees will include high-ranking government officials, UN representatives including UNFPA, embassy representatives, development partners, religious leaders, members of civil society organizations, and grassroots community representatives.
National Launch on November 25, 2023, Dar es Salaam(tentative)
The national launch is set to take place on 25 November 2023, with Her Excellency, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, officiating the campaign. Her Excellency's involvement is a testament to her commendable reforms (the 4Rs) and ambitious women empowerment programs initiated under the Generation Equality Forum, which play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality and eliminating gender- based violence (GBV). The launch is anticipated to draw over 2,000 physical participants and reach over 10 million individuals through media and social media broadcasting. Its primary goal is to influence the government's commitment to enhancing laws and policies to protect the rights of women and children, ensuring they can live free from violence.
The national launch will feature:
• Exhibitions
Recognizing the preventability of GBV, this year's campaign places a significant emphasis on amplifying effective prevention strategies to eliminate this issue within the country. Consequently, WiLDAF and GBV MKUKI will organize an exhibition to showcase evidence-based approaches for preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) that have been proven to work. This exhibition not only aims to highlight the best practices but also seeks to inspire and encourage development partners and the private sector to increase their investments in scientifically testing strategies that can prevent violence.
• Dialogues
GBV MKUKI and WiLDAF will host multi sectoral dialogues focused on ending GBV. Additionally, this year's campaign will invite abstracts and policy papers from various individuals to emphasize the role of research in GBV programming.
Anti-GBV Award on December 8, 2023, Dar es Salaam
WiLDAF and GBV MKUKI Coalition with support from UNFPA and other partners will host the GBV Prevention and Response Innovative Awards Day, dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the innovation, creativity, and remarkable efforts of individuals who have taken significant actions to combat GBV. This event is expected to gather over 200 participants from all corners of the country. The awards are designed to inspire community members to engage in educational initiatives aimed at ending Gender-Based Violence and fostering healthier lifestyles for women and children. The recognition bestowed upon these individuals is anticipated to serve as a powerful motivator for communities, encouraging them to redouble their efforts to eliminate GBV.
Donor visit-Mara, 20th to 24th November 2023, Mara region
As part of the Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu programme, there is a plan for donor to launch the One Stop Centre (OSC) in Tarime district demonstrating commitment to protect the rights of women and girls, including those with disabilities to live free from violence, FGM and exposure to child marriage.
For further information please contact:
Warren Bright,
Communications Analyst,
United Nations Population Fund,
Tanzania,
Email: bwarren@unfpa.org,
Mobile: +255 764 43 44 45
