Blogs
November 25, 2021 • 2 min read
November 25th marks the first of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV), with the global theme "Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now"
A new UN Women report has highlighted the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on women’s safety, both inside and outside of their homes. The study found that since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, 25% of women feel less safe at home, and 40% feel less safe while out of the house. Almost 1 in 2 women reported that they or someone they know has experienced has a form of gender-based violence since the start of the pandemic.
Gender based violence (GBV) occurs and is increasing in every society, including in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world where GOAL works. GOAL is committed to promoting gender equality and supporting and protecting women against all forms of gender-based violence. The most vulnerable people in the most vulnerable communities must especially be protected. Through integrated programming, we work to do that where we can, not just for 16 days, but every day.
Each of GOAL’s 14 country-teams has a designated Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Focal Point – GOALies charged with promoting a society free from gender-based violence and trained to undertake preventative interventions when violence against women is prevalent in a community. Last year, GOAL teams reached over 4.5 million people with messaging on gender-based violence, and undertook awareness raising campaigns, community lead discussion groups and mentorship projects in countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi and Iraq.
Join us in marking the next 16 days and every day after that in combatting all forms of gender-based violence against women. See how you can help support 2021’s 16 days of activism by visiting www.unwomen.org.
Combatting Gender Based Violence in Zimbabwe: GOALie Thando’s Story
“It was so tough seeing people unable to provide for their families because they had lost their jobs, and to witness how the lockdowns created hostile environments for many women,” says GOAL Zimbabwe Gender Advisor, Thandolwenkosi ‘Thando’ Sibindi.
“Sadly, Covid-19 and lockdowns have brought an increase in gender based violence (GBV) with many women stuck at home with “monsters”. Combatting gender-based violence has become more important than ever.”
“Unable to meet in large groups, I worked closely with community leaders to spread awareness of GBV.”
“The pandemic really made us think outside the box. Never in my career did I think I would be communicating with people thorough the radio or via vans with loudspeakers.”
