‘Days of Activism Against Gender Violence’
Set for November 25-December 10, 2002

For the past eleven years, over one thousand individuals and organizations from over 100 countries have sponsored activities in their communities during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence to raise awareness about all forms of violence against women.

The ‘Days of Activism Against Gender Violence’ have become an annual event in many towns, states and regions. Activists have used this 16-day period to create a solidarity movement that raises awareness of gender-based violence as a human rights abuse. The movement works to ensure better protection for survivors of violence and calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women.

Many of the organizations that have been involved in previous 16 Days campaigns have suggested that this year’s campaign activities explore the intersection of culture and violence against women. In all regions of the world, culture has been used by individuals and institutions to support beliefs, norms, practices and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women.

Although culture is still not an easy word to define, representatives noted, we can begin by understanding that culture relates to shared patterns such as values, attitudes, beliefs, rituals, goals and behaviors. These patterns can be seen in all societies; members of communities can share similar cultural practices, times of war can invoke certain attitudes and practices. There are creative ways to challenge the cultural patterns in communities, cities and nations. For example, many cultures provide examples of how violent acts targeted at women have been changed. No culture is immune to historical and political change.

During this year’s campaign, advocates will be encouraged to discuss and strategize around the link between culture and all forms of violence against women: violence that women experience in their homes, in their communities, by the state, by non-state actors, during times of war and during times of peace.

In a recent release, organizers noted that “It is important that we continue to explore and challenge the history of claims that use culture as a justification for violence against women.

“We must also examine who has constructed or is constructing the cultural beliefs that legitimize violence against women and whose interests are served by these claims. We should question whose cultural views and values are being privileged and why.”

The organizing strategies employed by groups during the Campaign varyand reflect the various regions and the current political situation in each. Activists are encouraged to use this 16 day period to raise awareness in student, local, national and regional communities by coordinating events such as tribunals, workshops, and festivals.

For further information, visit http://www.cwgl.rutgers.edu or contact Center for Women’s Global Leadership, 160 Ryders Lane, Rutgers University, NewBrunswick NJ 08901-8555 lmclarke@rci.rutger.edu