16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children
- act against abuse-

21 November Make the Stop Gender Violence and AIDS Helplines a Free Call from Cellphones! ,

Join Women’sNet, Gender Links and Nisaa join LifeLine Southern Africa to call on Cell-C, Vodacom, Virgin Mobile and MTN to make essential national helplines a free call from a cellphone. LifeLine Southern Africa (a registered non profit organisation), who run these services, receive up to 700 calls a day on the Stop-Gender-Violence Helpline, and up to 3000 on the AIDS Helpline. During the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women* campaign, traffic to these helplines doubles. Women from all over the country seek help, support and referrals to other services. LifeLine Southern Africa manages both these helplines. Calling these numbers from a Telkom landline is free, but not from a cellphone. 2 out of 3 South Africans have cell phones; at least 45% of cell phones users are female; 1 in every 3 South African women is abused, and more than half of all South Africans live under the poverty line This means that it is too expensive for millions of people who have a cellphone but can not access a Telkom phone to call these valuable helplines. Millions of women cannot access counselling assistance because of cellphone costs. We call on our mobile service providers to allow cellphone users to call the Stop Gender Violence Helpline and the AIDS Helpline at no cost (zero-rated call). This will mean that: The 30 million cellphone users in South Africa, many of whom do not have access to a landline, will be able to freely access information, emotional support, referrals and counselling. Women in emergencies who are not close to a landline, can call for trauma counselling. Women whose abusive partners monitor their Telkom phone use, can leave the house and call for advice on getting a Protection Order using their cellphones. Rural women and women in informal settlements who have cellphones can be referred to an antiretroviral service if they been raped, within the 72-hour window period. Let us make sure that help is really only a cell/phone call away. Sign it online at: every signature makes a difference! send your friends this link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/453791170

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22 November Information sharing ,

10 minute information sharing per Department & stalls from which on the spot services will be rendered to community members. To render an integrated service to the community & surrounding areas of Kakamas. Aimed at the community of Kakamas.

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25 November March ,

March - Awareness on violence against women and children.

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26 November Information session on domestic violence ,

Visit people and hold session on domestic violence and sexual offences.

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27 November Visits to farms ,

Visits to people on farms and hold session on domestic and sexual offences.

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27 November Mini Imbizo ,

Mini Imizo - Violence against Women and Children

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30 November World Aids Day: Street Theatre ,

World Aids Day: Street Theatre Presented by: LoveLife and HIV/Aids P&I committee cluster

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5 December Handing over a house ,

Handing over of a house to the destitute elderly woman in Peddie.

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21 November I am Powered – Nedbank Community Workshops , National Event

Over the past two years, Nedbank responded to governments call to South Africans to raise funds to support activities and projects that enhance service delivery directed at victims of abuse. This year, we have taken an even bigger approach and identified an initiative that will empower our women and children. The 2007 activities around the campaign will not only be internally focussed, but there is a very strong drive externally. Umlazi V Section Community hall 21 November 2007 X200 participants per day Umlazi V Section Community hall 22 November 2007 X200 participants per day Gugulethu Community centre 27 November 2007 X200 participants per day Gugulethu Community centre 28 November 2007 X200 participants per day Atteridgeville Community hall 05 December 2007 X200 participants per day Atteridgeville Community hall 06 December 2007 X200 participants per day

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25 November Opening Ceremony: Million Man March , National Event

This year for the opening ceremony we planned a Million Men’s March (MMM) which is a deliberate attempt to involve men and the boy child in the struggle to end violence against women and children and also to acknowledge that there are many men who are not perpetrators but partners. The march will be launched on 25 November in the Free State and similar satellite marches will take place in all the other provinces. The closing ceremony will take place on the 10th of December in Mpumalanga. The theme for the launch will be “Don’t Look Away”. The purpose of the launch every year is to acknowledge the importance of strategic partnerships in the eradication of violence against women and children and to thank our partners for their support in the past and to consolidate the partnerships into the future and vigorously strengthen the awareness drive and initiative to stop gender-based violence in our society. This year we want to highlight the importance of the participation of men and the boy child in the fight against gender-based violence, particularly in the rural and peri-urban areas.

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3 December Live online chat to commemorate World AIDS Day , National Event

TOPIC: The chat will focus on leadership, which is the theme for World AIDS Day 2007. Objectives are to: Address leadership's impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa Analyze the role of the media in holding leaders accountable in the fight against HIV/AIDS Map out strategies to help journalists highlight best practices of good leadership. On 3 December 2007 at 13:00 to 15:00 GMT. WHO: Journalists, trainers and resource persons are invited to participate by accessing the live chat on the IWMF website, www.iwmf.org. Further details will be sent out in advance of the chat.

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21 November 16 Days of no violence against women and child abuse , Gauteng

This event will take place on 11 January 2008, starting at 10:00. 1. Campaign Awareness 2. Don't look away 3. Campaign against ignorance of abuse: HIV/AIDS and disability 4. Acknowledging persons with disability 5. Supporting people who are infected and affected

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24 November Take back the night march , Gauteng

Date: Saturday 24 November Venue: Germiston Civic Park Time: 18H00 to 20H30 This march is inspired by the international “Take Back the Night” campaign started in Latin America. It’s central theme is empowering citizens, and especially women, to reclaim safe spaces. This year the march is being hosted by Ekurhuleni metro in partnership with the Gender and Media Southern Africa (GEMSA) and Gender Links. The march will be led by survivors of gender violence who will hand a petition to the Gauteng department of safety and security featuring sixteen demands for the sixteen days. The event will also feature the launch of the “I” stories- first hand accounts of gender violence. High profile speakers include the mayor, speaker, national and provincial politicians. Ekurhuleni is one of the few councils that has developed and is implementing a 365 day action plan to end gender violence, inspired by the national action plan to end gender violence launched in May this year.

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25 November Soccerex Exhibition , Gauteng

Soccerex Exhibition.

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26 November Care for the caregiver’s Provincial event , Gauteng

• Increase public understanding and change personal behaviors: • Understand personal risk of HIV infection and utilize options for safe sex behaviors (the ABC options). • Understand and utilize comprehensive health care including VCT, nutrition, TB, ARV and traditional medicine. • Conduct home visits to engage family members in educational talks according to local plan.( A pair of volunteers to reach 260 people in 5 days on average ) • Give face to face education on HIV prevention, health care for AIDS and social support for affected children and family members

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27 November Taking stock: Dialogue and regional video conference to “score” progress in ending gender violence , Gauteng

This event – a partnership between Gender Links, GEMSA, the World Bank and the IFC - will bring together policy makers and activists to take stock of where we have come since the launch in March this year of the 365 Days of Action to End Gender Violence plan. Using the SADC Addendum on the Eradication of Violence Against Women and Children as a guide panellists and audience will score South Africa’s progress in addressing gender violence with regard to prevention, response and support for survivors of gender violence. At 13.00 the panellists will link up with similar panels in four SADC countries (Namibia, Mauritius, Swaziland and Zambia) that will also have scored themselves to compare progress and ask: where does the SADC region stand in relation to the commitments made by its leaders. Date: Tuesday 27 November, 10 am to 13.00 Venue: IFC, 14 Fricker Road. Illovo, Johannesburg Time: 10 am –12.00; SA dialogue; 12.00-13.00 for regional video conference, followed by lunch

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27 November Door-to-door campaign , Gauteng

Door-to-door domestic campaign

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28 November Cyber dialogues , Gauteng

Cyber dialogues: On the dates below, GL and GEMSA will host face to face debates on topical issues, followed by cyber dialogues Dates: 28 November: Trafficking 30 November: HIV and AIDS and Gender Violence 3 December: Gender violence and disability. 5 December: Young women and gender violence 6 December: Safety in Schools Time: 12.00-14.00

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28 November Raising awareness on challenges faced by todays men , Gauteng

28/11/2007( Soshanguve) 30/11/2007( Ga- Rankuwa) 05/ 12/2007( Itireleng) 07/12/2007( Olivenhoutbosch 1. To change the attitudes of men towards domestic violence. 2. To enhance the roles and responsibilities of men in building a safer and secure environment for the. 3. To change the perceptions of the society towards men

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30 November Launch of Bekkersdal Shelter , Gauteng

Objective and achievements: to inform the community of services for abused women and their children. To empower women and make them aware of their rights and responsibilities.

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30 November 16 Days Intersectoral Open Day Event , Gauteng

Different Directorates of the Department of Social Development and other relevant stakeholders that render violence prevention related services to women and children will each have a stall to exhibit their service to 2000 different communities structures including a demonstration of one stop service for victims of domestic violence. At 10h00 on 30 November 2007. Theme: "don’t look away-act against abuse" Objective: Promoting Social Cohesion by preventing Gender-Based Violence and empowering the Victims under three main prioroties 1. Disability program 2. Victim Empowerment Program 3. HIV/AIDS Program

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2 December Gala Endorsement Breakfast , Gauteng

To provide high profile endorsement and sign up in response to call to action around domestic workers in South Africa. The Deputy President will be addressing the festival goers, and the event will be held on the Union Building lawns.

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3 December Seminar , Gauteng

Seminar in partnership with Stanza community centre: Raising awareness on 16 days of activism and DVA.

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3 December Gender Justice summit , Gauteng

The JCPS cluster, led by the Deputy Minister of Safety and Security, in partnership with IDMT, would like to diarise the 3rd and 4th of December 2007 as they are planning a Gender Justice Summit that will help create a framework for community participation within the 365 Days NAP. A formal invitation will be sent as soon as a venue is confirmed (here in Gauteng). This is also an appeal to you, valuable partner to help identify relevant invitees.

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4 December POWA Invitation , Gauteng

People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) is hosting a two day program with refugee and migrant women on the 3 and 4 December 2007*. The first day of the program will take the form of a workshop / dialogue with 30 refugee women on sexual violence, domestic violence and women's rights and will be hosted by POWA. We hope to explore these issues through dialogue and art. This will be a closed event. The second day, 4 December 2007, will be a public event in which members of the Yeoville community and visitors will participate in building a monument and raising awareness on violence against refugee and migrant women. While the work on the monument will commence from 9am, the day's programme of speeches and entertainment will officially run between 11h00 and 12h30. We will invite speakers from those who attended the workshop/ dialogue as well as speakers from other relevant organisations and agencies. We hope that the day will serve to increase awareness and build activism around violence against refugee and migrant women. You are invited to attend and participate in the following ways at the 4 December event: a) exhibit human rights information and organisational materials at the public day. b) extend an invitation to those you work with in the Yeoville area or other areas to attend the event

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4 December Seminar , Gauteng

Seminar in partnership with City of Tshwane: Raising awareness on 16 days of activism and a rights based approach

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5 December Nedbank workshops , Gauteng

Attending Nedbank workshops: I am Powered CGE Promotional Material

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5 December The problem of combating human trafficking in the context of the 16 Days of Activism , Gauteng

Panel Discussion is Jointly Hosted by the HSRC (Gender & Development Unit) and the International Organization of Migration (Regional Mission for South Africa). Speakers: 1. Dr Olive Shisana (President & CEO: HSRC) 2. Hans-Petter Boe (Regional Representative, IOM) 3. Patric Solomons (Molo Songololo, Cape Town) 4. Dr Nolutho Diko (HSRC) 5. Director Liziwe Ntshinga (SAPS) Pretoria Venue: Video Conference, 1st floor HSRC Library Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria. Venues in Durban and Cape Town: see below Date: Wednesday, 5 December, 2007 Time: 15H00 -17H30 Refreshments and drinks follow the panel discussion The purpose of this panel discussion is to raise awareness about human trafficking as an issue relevant to gender, gender violence and human rights within the National 16 Days of Activism Campaign. This panel brings together a panel of experts and opinion makers to highlight the problem of human trafficking as a gender, human rights and policy issue, to share experiences of how such problems are being addressed, and to stimulate public discussion and media coverage on this issue during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign. To reserve a seat and parking, kindly RSVP by 1 December 2007

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6 December Seminar , Gauteng

Seminar in partnership with Randfontein: Raising awareness on 16 days of activism and a rights based approach

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6 December The Media and Gender Violence , Gauteng

This event is a partnership between Oxfam, City Press, GL and GEMSA. It will bring together media development NGOs, analysts and media practitioners to debate to what extent the media is part of the problem or of the solution when it comes to ending gender violence. Time: 9.30- 14.00

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7 December Seminar , Gauteng

Seminar in partnership with Mogale City: Raising awareness on 16 days of activism and a rights based approach

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7 December Resilience building: Empowering women at risk. , Gauteng

Raise awareness on alternative lifestyle choices to abused women and women at risk.

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7 December Visit by the Ama Bruxa Name culture group from Namibia , Gauteng

Performance at Museum Africa with local culture groups, Friday 7 December, 13.00 to 15.00 Performance at Constitution Hill, Saturday 8 December, 18.00 This group children from Southern Namibia who have been rendered homeless by HIV and AIDS and or gender violence have been constituted into a powerful group of singers and dancers by Councillor Karolina Pieters, Chair of the Maltehoe Community Council in Southern Namibia. Using art as a form of healing, Councillor Pieters has also assisted the children to raise funds for their education. The visit to South Africa has been made possible by a private donor who was moved by the children’s singing. Councillor Pieters is one of the many amazing women in local government profiled in GL’s recent study: “At the Coalface: Gender and Local Government.”

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10 December Digital Story telling seminar , Gauteng

Digital Story telling seminar in partnership with Sonke Gender Justice: Showing of mini-documentaries to tell stories of men and women who have been affected by gender based violence and HIV/AIDS and are now actively working to address both.

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10 December Invitation to attend ‘Girls against Violence’ Speak Out , Gauteng

Girls’Net, in partnership with ActionAid Women’s Rights Programme, is hosting a six-day workshop for girls and young women between the ages of 15-20, under the theme “Girls against Violence”. The workshop will take place in Johannesburg from 7 to 12 December, 2007. The workshop includes a public event, during which participants will have the opportunity to speak directly to policy- and decision-makers about issues that affect them. The public event will be documented in a special edition of the Girls’Net GIST Newsletter, disseminated electronically and in print form after the workshop. What is it about? The aim of the workshop is to promote writing as an act of self-expression by girls and young women. We want them to write about themselves and share their experiences and opinions as opposed to being the subject of writing by others. The training will enable girls to write their own stories to bring new perspectives to the fight against gender based violence. Participants will use ICTs to develop content; including blogging, digital photography and conducting audio interviews. In addition, they will use diaries, storyboards and other creative methods to express themselves. What is the process? On the first three days, the girls will identify, prioritise and develop a set of recommendations to address gender-based violence. These discussions will form the basis for the public event, taking place on the fourth day. The remaining two days will be spent producing a 12-page newsletter that will communicate the views and issues raised during the workshop and public event. The newsletter will form the basis to further the “girls writing about girls” agenda, a project that will continue in 2008. Who are the participants? Twenty-three girls and young women from seven provinces will participate in the workshop. They were selected based on their contributions to youth development in their communities. They have all demonstrated an active interest in women and girls rights programmes. Workshop: 7-12 December 2007 Speak Out: 10 December from 10:00 until 14:30

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4 December Hearing on the effectiveness working of Equality courts , Mpumalanga

Hearing on the effectiveness working of Equality courts

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6 December Workshop on HIV and AIDS & the Equality Act , Mpumalanga

Workshop on HIV and AIDS & the Equality Act

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7 December Workshop on Customary marriage and Maintenance Act , Mpumalanga

Workshop on Customary marriage and Maintenance Act

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21 November Cyber dialogues , Limpopo

Dialogue with experts in the field of violence for the surrounding communities.

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21 November Visit to sexual offences courts , Limpopo

Raising awareness on the value of Sexual offences courts as well as on the Domestic Violence Act. District mayors to lead these visits.

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25 November Men’s march , Limpopo

Create awareness and encourage partnership in fighting violence against women and children targeting 2000 men and boys.

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26 November Crime awareness campaign , Limpopo

To reduce crimes against women and children.

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26 November Awarness on gender-based violence , Limpopo

All male staff members in the office of the Premier are invited to a campaign on awareness on gender-based violence.

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26 November Various Activities , Limpopo

10:00 Visit to Modimolle victim support centre - Modimolle for 50 children and their mothers, Donate clothes for women and children 10:00 Awareness on GBV - Polokwane for all male staff members in the office of the Premier to create awareness on GBV 10:00 Selling of pledges - Shopping malls for 2 000 pledges, To sell pledges to raise funds for victims of abuse 10:00 GBV awareness campaign - Mutale for 200 people, To create awareness on GBV 10:00 Men’s dialogue - Aganang for 500 men and boys, To create a platform for men to discuss violence and ways that they can help to stamp it out.

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27 November Visit to sexual offences courts , Limpopo

Raising awareness on the value of Sexual offences courts as well as on the Domestic Violence Act. To be lead by District mayors.

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27 November Men’s dialogue , Limpopo

Create a platform for men to discuss violence and ways that they can help to stamp it out.

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27 November Crime awareness campaign , Limpopo

To reduce crimes against women and children

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27 November Men’s dialogue , Limpopo

Create a platform for men to discuss violence and ways that they can help to stamp it out. Targeted at 500 men and boys.

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27 November Crime awareness campaign , Limpopo

To reduce crimes against women and children. For the surrounding community starting at 10H00.

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28 November Men’s dialogue , Limpopo

Create a platform for men to discuss violence and ways that they can help to stamp it out.

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28 November Speak to your MEC campaign , Limpopo

Educate farm workers on their right to work in a violent free environment

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28 November Diversity summit , Limpopo

Create awareness on GBV

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28 November Distribution of stickers , Limpopo

Distribute 1000 stickers on issues of violence against women to create awareness on gender based violence.

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29 November Visit to a victim empowerment centre , Limpopo

Donate clothes for 50 women and their children who usually run to shelters without any change of clothes

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29 November Workshop for traditional leaders , Limpopo

Popularisation of the 365 days strategy.

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3 December GBV and Maintenance Act , Limpopo

GBV and Maintenance Act

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5 December Popularization of the Beijing Platform of Action , Limpopo

Popularization of the Beijing Platform of Action

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5 December GBV and Equality Act Workshop , Limpopo

GBV and Equality Act Workshop

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6 December Popularization of the Beijing Platform of Action , Limpopo

Popularization of the Beijing Platform of Action

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6 December GBV and Maintenance , Limpopo

GBV and Maintenance

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10 December GBV, Children’s Act and Sexual Offenses Act , Limpopo

GBV, Children’s Act and Sexual Offenses Act

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29 November Information session on Gender-based violence , Northern Cape

To inform & educated Foster parents

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29 November Information session , Northern Cape

To empower the youth on gender – based violence.

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29 November Information session on Gender-based violence , Northern Cape

To inform & educated community members

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29 November Community dialogue , Northern Cape

To educate & lobby for community buy in to come up with a plan of action to eradicate Gender-based violence.

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29 November Imbizo on Gender – based violence , Northern Cape

To sensitize the community about gender – based violence.

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29 November Walk & Talk and pamphlet distribution , Northern Cape

To spread the message on No tolerance to Gender – based violence

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29 November March , Northern Cape

Youth & Women Against Crime will have a march to clean – up the streets. Every person will wear a T – Shirt with a “No to crime message. Patrols will be conducted & pamphlets will be distributed.

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29 November Information session on Gender-based violence , Northern Cape

To inform & educate community members.

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30 November Men & Boys Debate session , Northern Cape

To mentally liberate men to decode societies’ attitude & behaviour from traditional up – bringing of women.

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30 November Workshop with role – players regarding the MAN’s Accountability Program , Northern Cape

Promotion of the MAN’s Accountability Program, to ensure proper implementation of the Program.

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30 November Information session (FBO’s) , Northern Cape

Role of the Religion sector on issues of violence against women and children.

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1 December Candle light memorial service , Northern Cape

Commemoration of World Aids day

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1 December Aids awareness , Northern Cape

Talking session & exhibition

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1 December Information session , Northern Cape

Gender-based violence & HIV/Aids.

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26 November Prison visit , Western Cape

Visit all women in holding cells/court cells at Mfuleni SAPS and Blue Downs Court to display to the women that they are still accepted in the community.

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1 December A Workshop for Practitioners and Individuals , Western Cape

A Workshop for Practitioners and Individuals by Yehuda Tagar Addressing trauma and abuse in our country. Psychophonetics offers an effective approach to digesting, overcoming and integrating the debilitating memories of trauma and abuse stored in the body.

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3 December Galvanizing Action , Western Cape

Galvanizing Action to Combat Violence against Women and Children: Strategies and Tactics for Interventions to End Violence. Monday and Thursday 3 and 5 December.

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7 December Mini-skirt March! , Western Cape

The Southern African Media and Gender Institute (SAMGI) will hold a daring and eye-catching mini-skirt march through the streets of Cape Town on 7th December 2007, starting at Company Gardens, Adderley St at 10h00. This protest is in support of all rape survivors, who more often than not have to justify themselves to family, friends, police and prosecutors. -Why were you there?- -How much did you drink?- -And what were you wearing?- RAPE-PROOF BEHAVIOUR IS A LIE NO MORE MYTHS Rape is about power, not sex. It can happen to anyone, no matter where you are, how much you drink or what you are wearing. Unfortunately, rape survivors have to deal with hostile responses from a society and legal system which implicate that rape can be prevented by wearing less revealing clothes. In court, a woman’s/man’s sexual history is still being questioned during cross-examination and can be used as evidence against the rape survivor. This will not change if the current draft of the Sexual Offences Bill comes into effect. In reality, nobody asks to be raped. It is time to put an end to the myths surrounding rape! Join our march in a (mini-) skirt and make your voice heard! Friday, December 7th, 10h00 at Company Gardens, Adderly St STOP BLAMING AND SHAMING

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7 December Young men's march , Western Cape

Youth blowing a whistle against gender based violence.

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10 December Pledging Closing Ceremony , Western Cape

16 days closing ceremony.

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10 December Therapists symposium on raising awareness about sexual abuse , Western Cape

Recovery from sexual abuse We are calling for practitioners who are working in the field and who have developed a body of experience, skill and knowledge regarding effective treatment of the long-term effects of sexual abuse – to put their case forward and to present their work Cost: R 30 (20 students & pensioners) All proceedings are dedicated to activities of DEC.

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21 November Workshop on The Impact of Substance Abuse on Violence , Eastern Cape

Workshop on The Impact of Substance Abuse on Violence

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24 November Steve Tshwete Sport Tournament Against Crime , Eastern Cape

Steve Tshwete Sport Tournament Against Crime

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24 November Handing over of a house , Eastern Cape

Handing over of a house to the family of the murdered Chieftainess

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25 November Handing over of 28 houses , Eastern Cape

Handing over of 28 houses to the identified beneficiaries during the launch of 16 Days of Activism

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25 November Launch of the 16 Days of Activism , Eastern Cape

Handing over of 27 houses to the identified beneficiaries during the launch of 16 Days of Activism.

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25 November Launch of the 16 Days of Activism , Eastern Cape

Launch of the 16 Days of Activism

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25 November Launch of the 16 Days of Activism , Eastern Cape

Official launch of the 16 Days of Activism.

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25 November Soccerex Exhibition , Eastern Cape

Soccerex Exhibition, 25-28 November 2007.

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26 November Workshop on Human Trafficking , Eastern Cape

Workshop on Human Trafficking

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26 November Say no to violence against women and children - Cyber Dialogue , Eastern Cape

Say no to violence against women and children

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26 November Workshop on Human Trafficking , Eastern Cape

Workshop ion human trafficking.

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27 November Men’s role on Gender Based Violence Dialogue , Eastern Cape

Men’s role on Gender Based Violence Dialogue.

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27 November Men’s role on Gender Based Violence Dialogue , Eastern Cape

Men’s role on Gender Based Violence Dialogue

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