16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

November 26, 2013;

As a part of commemoration of the International Fortnight Observation "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" under the theme 'From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let us challenge militarism and end violence against women' from (November 25 to December 12), WAD (Women Action for Development) is observing series of events protesting the rampant rise of crimes against women and girls in the state.

Many events will be observed during the fortnight observation supporting the upliftment of victims of conflicts and conflict widows. Various campaigns will be organized promoting the safeguard of women and girls and protection of women rights and gender equality.

To endure the International Fortnight Observation, WAD observed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November amidst Manipur Sangai Festival under the UN theme "Orange the World in 16 Days: End Violence Against Women and Girls" by mass sensitizing the crowds through "Orange Ribbon Campaign" to spread out the messages for ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

WAD also extend solidarity to Iron Lady "Irom Chanu Sharmila" in relation with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by performing "Candles Lighting Ceremony" at Malom where the monument of Malom Massacre is staged and the incident that let Irom Sharmila fast for 12 years against AFSPA.

The date of November 25 was chosen to commemorate the Mirabal sisters, three political activists Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961) ordered brutally assassinate in 1960.

Why This International Day?
o Violence against women is a human rights violation
o Violence against women is a consequence of discrimination against women, in law and also in practice, and of persisting inequalities between men and women
o Violence against women impacts on, and impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, combating HIV/AIDS, and peace and security
o Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential
o Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic. Up to 70 per cent of women experience violence in their lifetime.

Orange the World in 16 days

The Secretary General's Campaign UNITE to End Violence Against Women has proclaimed the 25th of each month Orange Day. Among other actions, the Orange Day invites us to wear something orange to highlight its calls for the eradication of violence against women without reservation, equivocation or delay.

This year, the UNITE Campaign is extending Orange Day to 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, starting November 25, International Day to End Violence Against Women, through December 10, Human Rights Day.

Facts and Figures
o 100 cases of crimes against women and children are reported plus 64 child trafficking cases (01 January to 25 November 2013)
o Imphal West (29 cases); Thoubal (22 cases); Imphal East (21 cases); Bishnupur (7 cases); Senapati (6 cases); Ukhrul (5 cases); Outside the State (6 cases)
o Out of 164 cases, 109 cases are juvenile cases
o Among the cases, Rape (23); Suicide (10); Murder (15); Assault (6); Rape & Murder (3); Molestation (5); Gang-rape (4); Burnt (2); Missing (7); Infant abandonment (6); Rape attempt (2); Murder attempt (2); Sodomy (1); Kidnap (5); Child soldier (7); Child labour (1); Cyber crime (1)

WHY ORANGE??

As part of this year's theme "Orange the World in 16 Days: End Violence Against Women And Girls", we invite you to wear orange – the official colour of the UNiTE campaign. On Orange Day, now observed on the 25th of every month, worldwide activities by UN country offices and civil society organizations strive to highlight efforts to prevent and end violence against women and girls. This year, the UNITE Campaign is extending Orange Day throughout the 16 Days of Activism.

WAD (Women Action for Development)