Common Cause Zambia joins Activists across Africa & Call to Revolutionize Power Dynamics in Intimate Relationships

Lusaka, 25^th November, 2013 - Common Cause Zambia joins human rights activists and community members from across Africa to ignite awareness and action around power imbalances between women and men a core driver of violence against women (VAW) and HIV from November 25^th- December 10^th as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women.

The 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women Campaign is an annual global event that calls for collective action worldwide to prevent violence against women. It spans significant dates including the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25^th), World AIDS Day (December 1^st), and Human Rights Day (December 10^th). These dates were selected to symbolically link violence against women to escalating HIV infection rates and human rights abuses. Over the 16-day period, hundreds of organizations in Africa who are members of the GBV Prevention Network will engage their communities under the regional theme Power! We all have it. How are you using yours?

The theme highlights that violence against women occurs because of the power imbalance between women and men; this power dynamic is rooted in our social norms that sanction men’s control over women’s bodies, minds, and behaviors, leading to all forms of violence against women. Transforming how we use our power can help us to change this reality to builder stronger relationships and stronger communities.

 “We all should work towards deconstructing patriarchal values, beliefs and norms, while embracing the use of positive cultural norms to prevent violence against women and girls, and promote peaceful families and communities, in conformity with international and regional human rights standards”. Jennet Kem, Manager, Africa UNiTE Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Girls

With activities like social media “storms,” dramas, interactive exercises, lobby meetings, panel discussions, radio and TV talk shows, newspaper articles, public marches, rallies, vigils, SMS campaigns and so many others, activists from member organizations and millions of community members around the region will challenge common societal beliefs. They will inspire us to think differently about how we use power in our own intimate relationships, taking action to create social change that starts with ourselves. Activists will also lobby legislators and policy makers to improve national VAW legislation, and provide adequate budgets for implementation.  The campaign will culminate in a call for equality between women and men in relationships, communities, and institutions on Human Rights Day (10^th December).

It is expected that the deliberate and intense activity over this period will create a groundswell of movement across the region. When individuals first feel their own sense of power, and recognize how they use it positively or negatively, then social change is possible. Power! We all have it. How are you using yours?

Common Cause Zambia 

Email: info@commoncausezambia.org   Website: www.commoncausezambia.org