Why is it Important?

Gender based violence continues to have a devastating impact on women and girls here in the UK and globally.  Crime data tells us that 2 women a week are murdered by a partner or ex-partner in the UK.   Over these last few months, the news is full of horrendous crimes against women from a mum and her daughter stabbed by a man in London, a young mother in Crawley murdered by her male ex-partner, and just this month a 17 year old boy has been sentenced to life for murdering his ex girlfriend who was age 15. 100s of women have come forward impacted by alleged sexual assault and rape from Al Fayed. In court currenty Gisèle Pelicot, the French woman whose former husband is on trial for drugging and raping her when they were married, and inviting dozens of other men to rape her. Gisèle has waived her right to anonymity and told the court in Avignon she wants women who have been raped to know that "it's not for us to have shame - it's for them".

In a recent national Ofsted report girls reported sexual harassment as a routine part of daily life.

Violence and harm against women is one of the most frequent human rights violations.  It is a threat to women’s life, physical and psychological health.  Violence against women has consequences for all society and perpetrators can be found in every social and economic class, they are often someone known personally and the majority are male.

What is the 16 Days of Activism?

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on the 25 November, The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.  This date was selected to honour the Mirabel sisters, three political activists who were brutally murdered in 1960 by their country’s ruler and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day, in commemoration of the day when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. That Declaration forms the backbone of the human rights architecture of our societies, where each of us – without discrimination – has the right to live and thrive in peace and safety. 

The White Ribbon Campaign has also adopted 25th November as White Ribbon Day to encourage men and boys to become allies and challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes that affect the lives of women and girls with their goal to end violence against women and girls.

The 16 Days of Activism is designed to unite individuals and organisations around the world to raise awareness and act by challenging the attitudes that perpetuate and normalise gender-based violence.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is defined as “harmful acts directed at an individual or a group of people based on their gender”.  It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms and stereotypes. 

What do we hope to achieve at ESDAS?

We want to encourage you to have conversations.

The world we live in has been shaped by societal values, norms and behaviours that have been set by men and therefore encourage a privileged position for men (just one example – that it was only 1985 that women were given the same right to be paid the same as men for the same job).  This inequality creates an imbalance of power between men and women.   https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/intercardiff/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/03/Timeline-of-100-Years-of-Women.pdf

By using the strapline  It all starts with Respect – Lets chat - we hope to encourage courageous conversations.  (Please add this the above email footer to your Emails in support - download below)

1.         Around gender inequality - We all deserve to be respected for who we are. But growing up, many of us may have been told how we should behave, look, what we like and dislike, all based on our gender.   These assumptions and the placing of men and women into certain boxes can create problems.  For example, the belief that men are dominant and aggressive and women, weak and vulnerable.  These stereotypes cause issues for both men and women, with men feeling the expectation to be the one always strong and in control, and not able to express their emotions in case this is seen as weak.  This stereotype can create a power imbalance – with some men believing they are more important, should be in control in relationships and that they should dominate, and their partner be submissive to their needs.  These assumptions become harmful ideas that we, often unknowingly, can take into our homes, relationships, workplaces and communities and help create a culture where violence against women and girls thrives.

It all starts with Respect, so let’s chat about this and help create a safer and more equal society.

2.       We will raise awareness of ESDAS services by offering:

·       Lunchtime talks within local businesses

·       Short videos explaining the IRIS programme and our Violence against Women and Girls Work

·       Cut it out training to a local hair salon in Dorking

·       Social media assets - Fast facts and information about respecting others and respecting yourself - share our posts on Facebook and Instagram - @esdas1

·       Quotes and affirmations within the ESDAS workplace for employees and survivors .

·       Placement of ESDAS information in local coffee shops, toilet stickers, posters

HOW CAN YOU BE INVOLVED?

You are so important as you enable us to reach more people than those currently within our circle.    Your involvement will no doubt save lives.  CLICK ON THE CALENDAR BELOW TO DOWNLOAD THE 16 DAYS OF CHALLENGES

Please print our 16 days of activism calendar which has lots of ideas of ways you can help create situations and events to have these conversations, to challenge people’s perceptions, to raise awareness to your friend, family member, colleague who may be suffereing and need help.

Please challenge yourself to do as many as you are able –details to support these challenges including links for more information to support each suggestion as well as guidance and a script that may help with some of the responses to conversations you may come up against.

If the calendar feels overwhelming, just pick one thing. Just one small thing can have such a life changing impact because of your action.

Thank you for helping us to continue to work together towards a brighter future.

RESOURCES, INFORMATION AND TEMPLATES