#16DaysofActivism Discussion - Make Peace Count; End Violence against women

The Ministry of Gender, child and social welfare is tailoring its fight against sexual and gender-based violence to changing mindsets at the grassroots.

Jane Kiden Jackson, the Deputy Director for women peace and security says many cultures and beliefs stigmatize survivors.

Kiden makes the appeal as we commemorate 16th days of activism against sexual and gender-based violence which started yesterday – 25th November to mobilize the public to be active participants in eradicating violence against women and children.

Kiden says the ministry is targeting men and traditional leaders to combat SGBV.

“We are looking at targeting the men more than the women because they are the perpetrators, because if you look at GBV people look at it as a women’s issue – the blame goes more to women and girls., If you see a girl dressed in a mini skirt it is like she is welcoming a man. This is not correct – it is a violation of human rights.”

Viola Riak a gender analyst with the UN Population Fund – UNFPA is encouraging survivors of SGBV to speak out.

“You can either report through a police station or a community leader or you can go directly to a hospital or clinic. The problem is when these women and girls are violated they are shy to speak out. I am using this opportunity to urge women and girls and remind them that this is a violation – when something like this happens to you, please seek help do not remain quiet.”

The global 16 days of activism will culminate in World AIDS day on the 10th of December. The theme this year is - “Make Peace Count; End Violence against women and girls

Listen to the full discussion