Every year, various days are observed globally with the aim of raising awareness about important social issues and advocating for change.
One such prominent day is November 25th, which marks White Ribbon Day, also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
First launched in Canada in 1991, White Ribbon Day aims to end violence against women and girls by engaging men in the issue, and challenging harmful attitudes, and promoting positive behaviors.
It is a key moment in the global effort to address gender-based violence. The day also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs until December 10th. This period serves as a powerful symbol in the movement to end men’s violence against women and girls and acts as a reminder of the need for continuous action to promote gender equality. On this day, men demonstrate their year-long commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
Although White Ribbon Day has become a significant symbol in the fight against men’s violence toward women, its impact over the past three decades has been less striking than expected.
Despite the efforts to prevent and end male violence against women and girls; even these days many young girls and women continue to face violence in their day-to-day lives. Sadly enough, a significant number of young girls and women experience harassments, including gender-based violence even from their family members and close relatives. This highlights the need for more action and attention to the issue.
This year’s White Ribbon Day has also started with the theme ‘It Starts with Men,’ emphasizing the role of men in combating gender-based violence and promoting change.
In Ethiopia, White Ribbon Day is also being observed in various parts of the country by organizing various awareness raising activities, including panel discussions.
In Harari State, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign is being marked by a series of events aimed at sensitizing the public about the issue and; end gender-based violence against women and girls. The campaign is being organized in collaboration with justice institutions and will run for 16 consecutive days. During this period, awareness-raising activities will be held in 11 schools, focusing on gender equality, with active participation from the State’s Women and Children Affairs Bureau.
The campaign organized in collaboration with justice institutions and will run for 16 consecutive days. During this period, awareness-raising activities will be carried out in 11 schools focusing on gender equality with the active participation of the State’s Women and Children Affairs Bureau.
Additionally, panel discussions were held at 4 institutions located in the State emphasizing the importance of increasing the participation of men in the fight against violence. These efforts are aimed at addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality, particularly for women and children, according to State’s Women and Children Affairs Bureau.
As part of the Campaign, participants of the panel visited the Hamlin Fistula Center and Darul Hijra Orphanage, which is providing services to women and children who need social and psychological support. On the occasion, sanitary materials were delivered for mothers and children residing in the centers.
In the same way, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, training was given to local community leaders with the aim to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
On the occasion, the Deputy Head of Harari State’s Women and Children Affairs Bureau, Muftiha Aliye, emphasized that efforts to combat gender-based violence should not only focus on responding to incidents but also on promoting fundamental cultural and behavioral changes. Thus, she called on all members of society and relevant bodies to take responsibility for preventing violence against women and children and to work together to achieve this goal.
Mentioning that the Harari State has been actively implementing various policies and strategies to address this issue, including working in partnerships at national and international levels, she said: “We work to prevent and respond to violence and harassment that are committed targeting gender.”
According to her, programs designed to protect gender-based violence integrated with both the national and local levels. In this regard, The State has been actively implementing various policies and strategic frameworks to address this issue.
The event also focused on encouraging the active involvement of men and boys, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and community groups in ending violence. The main message was that violence against women is everyone’s problem and must be addressed by all members of society, regardless of gender, status, or background.
At a panel discussion organized in relation to this same issue, it was stated that the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs will work persistently to prevent and provide immediate response to gender-based violence.
Speaking at the panel on behalf of State Minister of Women and Children Department, Sileshi Tadesse said that the Ministry will work on issues that can bring about tangible policy, structural and behavioral change on violence and harassments that come to happen on women and girls.
He also highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing these issues and ensuring the effective enforcement of laws designed to protect women and children from violence. There must be sustained efforts to combat harmful cultural practices that contribute to gender-based violence, according to him. At the events officials emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to curb violence against women and children, calling for a more holistic and integrated approach involving all relevant sectors.
“It is important to involve men, heads of traditional institutions, religious leaders, stakeholders and elders, and the mass media as active members of change and, as well as vocal gender rights advocates, to change the habits, attitudes and gender stereotypes that perpetuate violence against women and girls.”
Equally, it was stated the need for justice system to strengthen its role in responding to gender-based violence.
The White Ribbon is an internationally recognized emblem, worn by individuals as a pledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women and girls. The day is not just about raising awareness; it’s a call to action for everyone—especially men and boys—to become active participants in challenging the harmful attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate gender-based violence.
BY STAFF REPORTER
The Ethiopian Herald December 12/2024
