Burkina Faso/Fight against violence against women and girls: A campaign called "16 days of activism" launched in Ouagadougou

The interim resident representative of Plan International Burkina Faso launched the 16 days of activism campaign against violence against women and girls on Friday, November 25, 2022. Placed under the theme "All united! Activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls", this campaign will end on December 10, 2022.

November 25 is declared the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in honor of the Mirabal sisters (the Mariposas, the papillones) killed on November 25, 1960 in the Dominican Republic, while fighting against the dictator Rafael Trujillo. This day marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism against violence against women and girls.

This campaign, supported by Plan International Burkina, aims to raise awareness among the entire population (including perpetrators and survivors of gender-based violence) and to call on the government to address this issue, which constitutes a major violation of women's rights, and therefore of fundamental human rights. To this end, a series of activities will mark the implementation of these 16 days of activism that will end on December 10, 2022, which coincides with the commemoration of International Human Rights Day.

A community dialogue on GBV in Ouagadougou and finally, an evaluation workshop in Ouagadougou with all the members of Plan International Burkina's youth advisory council (CCJ-PI). This is what Francine Kouma, a member of the CCJ-PI, told us.

380 million women and girls live in extreme poverty in the world
According to Plan International Burkina Faso Resident Representative Anika Krstic, the facts are quite shocking, as one in three women worldwide is a victim of physical or sexual violence and one in five women was married before the age of 18. "In 2020, we needed 100 years to close the gender gap. In 2022, we need 132 years. At this rate, a new generation of girls and women will grow up in a world of inequality, which allows and propagates all kinds of violence against women and girls," she warns. While conflict can undoubtedly exacerbate certain forms of violence, the underlying causes of the phenomenon are often related to cultural, institutional, and economic factors, which include poverty, financial dependence, and poor access to/control over factors of production. "Women in the economy are exploited, paid less or not paid at all. While a man earns a dollar, a woman receives 83 cents for the same work," laments Ms. Krstic.

The world economy would grow by 12 million dollars if we close this gap, according to her. Returning to the purpose of this ceremony, she said that the 16 Days of Activism initiative provides a unique opportunity for Plan International Burkina Faso to serve the welfare of the community. "We stand with girls and women who must be able to exercise their rights without fear of violence or intimidation because girls have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, their lives and their future..." she concluded. The 16 days of activism are part of a major three-month campaign that began in October 2022.

Source: lefaso.net