IGDS launches 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence
THE Institute for Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) at the University of the West Indies has launched a campaign commemorating 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. The campaign is designed to bring awareness to the problem in Jamaica.
The 16 Days of Activism — November 25 to December 10 — include a range of activities including silent marches, prayer vigils for women and girls who have been victims of violence, and the wearing of purple on designated days in recognition of women and girls who have been raped or murdered or lost to violence.
A series of articles on gender-based violence are also to be published in the media.
The IGDS has invited women’s organisations and others to “join the fight to eliminate violence against women and girls in Jamaica” by calling their local representatives and expressing their concerns, having conversations on how to prevent femicide, and revealing facts about gender-based violence.
The 16 Days of Activism also included a call to say a prayer for those affected by HIV/AIDS on December 1, World AIDS Day; to focus on violence against women in the LGBT community on December 8; and reflections on the 16 Days of Activism on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
