16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: A Call to Action and AccountabilityBy Bernadette Deka Zulu

This year, both at Shaping Futures and at the RKF, we are amplifying our voices and commitment to the annual campaign of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a powerful and collective call to end violence in all its forms, especially against women and girls.

Running from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, this campaign transcends borders, amplifying voices and catalyzing action across communities, governments, and civil society.

This year’s theme, “Unite! Invest to End Violence Against Women and Girls”, resonates deeply with the ongoing work I and others undertake in promoting gender equality and social justice. It underscores the urgency of collaboration, resource mobilization, and accountability to eradicate GBV from the fabric of our societies.

The Cost of Violence

Gender-based violence is a crisis with devastating consequences, not just for individuals but for entire communities and economies. Globally, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, often at the hands of someone she knows.

In Zambia, where I have focused much of my advocacy and development work, the numbers are equally sobering. These statistics are not just abstract figures; they represent mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—women whose potential is curtailed by systemic violence and oppression.

The financial toll of GBV is equally staggering. From healthcare expenses to lost productivity, violence against women drains billions of dollars from economies annually. Yet, beyond the monetary losses lies an incalculable human cost: the loss of dignity, security, and freedom. The theme for this year emphasizes investment as a cornerstone of change—investment in prevention, survivor support, and systemic reform. It is a call not just for funding but for prioritizing the eradication of violence in national and local agendas.

Breaking the Silence

One of the greatest challenges in addressing GBV is the culture of silence that surrounds it. Stigma, fear, and societal norms often prevent survivors from speaking out or seeking help. As someone deeply embedded in community work, I have seen firsthand how silence perpetuates the cycle of violence. Survivors are often blamed or shamed, making them hesitant to report abuse.

Changing this narrative requires a multi-faceted approach. First, we must create safe spaces for survivors to share their stories without fear of retribution. This can be done through community centers, helplines, or even informal networks of support.

Second, we must educate communities about the harmful effects of victim-blaming and shift the focus to holding perpetrators accountable. Lastly, we need to amplify the voices of survivors, empowering them to lead the charge in dismantling the systems that enable violence.

Strengthening Legal Frameworks

While progress has been made in enacting laws to protect women and girls, implementation remains a significant challenge. In Zambia, the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act of 2011 is a landmark piece of legislation. However, without proper funding, training for law enforcement, and public awareness, such laws risk becoming paper tigers.

We need to ensure that legal systems are survivor-centered, offering justice and protection while minimizing further trauma. This includes training police officers to handle cases with sensitivity, providing free legal aid to survivors, and ensuring swift and fair prosecution of perpetrators. Furthermore, governments must allocate sufficient resources to enforce these laws effectively. This year’s theme reminds us that laws alone are not enough; they must be backed by meaningful investment and robust implementation.

Empowering Women and Girls

At the heart of ending GBV is empowering women and girls to claim their rights and make decisions about their lives. Education is one of the most powerful tools in this regard. Educated girls are less likely to marry early, more likely to earn an income, and better equipped to stand up for themselves. Yet, in many parts of Zambia and beyond, girls still face barriers to education, from school fees to gender-based violence within schools.

Programs that keep girls in school and equip them with life skills are critical. Additionally, we must challenge harmful cultural practices that normalize violence and inequality. This requires engaging not just women and girls but also men and boys as allies in the fight against GBV. By addressing the root causes of violence—patriarchy, toxic masculinity, and gender inequality—we can build a more equitable society.

Supporting Survivors

Survivors of GBV require comprehensive support to heal and rebuild their lives. This includes access to medical care, counseling, legal assistance, and economic opportunities. In my work, I have seen how economic empowerment can transform the lives of survivors, giving them the tools to escape abusive situations and rebuild their confidence.

Shelters and safe houses are also vital, providing a temporary haven for women and children fleeing violence. However, these services are often underfunded and overstretched. Governments and donors must prioritize funding for survivor support services, recognizing them as an essential component of the fight against GBV.

The Role of Civil Society

Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in filling the gaps left by governments. From providing direct services to advocacy and awareness-raising, CSOs are at the forefront of the battle against GBV. In Zambia, we have a number of organizations that play like an instrumental role in providing support to survivors and challenging societal norms.
However, CSOs often operate with limited resources and face significant challenges in sustaining their work. This year’s theme calls on governments and donors to invest in these organizations, recognizing their critical role in ending violence against women and girls.

Engaging Men and Boys

Ending GBV requires the active participation of men and boys. Too often, initiatives to address violence focus solely on women, neglecting the role of men as allies and agents of change. In my engagements, I have seen the transformative impact of programs that challenge traditional notions of masculinity and encourage men to reject violence and embrace equality.

By engaging men and boys, we can dismantle harmful stereotypes and foster a culture of respect and equality. This includes involving them in conversations about consent, healthy relationships, and the impact of violence on families and communities.

A Call to Action

As we observe the 16 Days of Activism, let us remember that ending GBV is not just a women’s issue; it is a human rights issue that demands the commitment of everyone. This year’s theme, “Unite! Invest to End Violence Against Women and Girls”, challenges us to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action.

Governments must prioritize funding for GBV prevention and response. Communities must break the silence and challenge harmful norms. Organizations must work together to amplify their impact. And individuals must recognize their role in creating a world free from violence.

For me, this fight is deeply personal. It is about creating a world where my daughters and every other girl can live without fear, where women can reach their full potential, and where dignity and equality are not privileges but rights.

The 16 Days of Activism is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause. But the work does not end on December 10. Let this campaign be a springboard for sustained action, reminding us that every day is an opportunity to stand up against gender-based violence and for the rights of women and girls.

We are rising to the challenge. We are investing towards the needed and desired change. We are uniting to end violence against women and girls, once and for all. Are you in?

Email: bernadettedekazulu@gmail.com