The Limitations of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Advocate Bernadine Bachar, the director of the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in Cape Town, expresses her reservations about the effectiveness of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. She articulates her concerns, stating, “I’m not entirely sold on the whole idea of 16 days. It can easily become a superficial effort for policymakers and politicians who commit to focusing on gender-based violence for just 60 days before relegating the issue to revisit a year later.”
Alarming Rise in Femicide Rates
In December 2024, the South African Police Services (SAPS) released the 2023/2024 crime statistics in collaboration with the social media activism group, Women For Change. These statistics present a disturbing increase in femicide rates, with an astonishing rise of 33.8% within a single year. The data reveals that between April 2023 and March 2024, 5,578 women lost their lives to violence, a troubling spike from the 4,169 women murdered in the previous year, 2022/2023.
The Call for Continuous Action
The grim statistics underscore the need for a sustained and holistic approach to combat gender-based violence, rather than temporary campaigns. Advocate Bachar’s critique emphasizes that a mere two-month focus on such a pressing issue is insufficient to create real change. It brings to light the importance of continuous advocacy, policy development, and community engagement to address the systemic issues that contribute to violence against women.
Empowering Women and Communities
The Saartjie Baartman Centre, along with other organizations, advocates for a comprehensive understanding and response to gender-based violence. It highlights that empowering women through education, providing resources, and fostering community support are essential steps towards creating a safer environment for all women. The call for action extends beyond 16 days, urging society to commit to long-term strategies for combating gender violence and supporting survivors.
Conclusion
As the statistics reveal the harsh reality faced by women, it is imperative that society moves beyond temporary awareness campaigns and invests in sustainable solutions. Empowering women and addressing the root causes of gender-based violence must become a consistent priority, ensuring that every day counts in the fight for a safer future.
