International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to Human Rights Day (Activism Against Gender-Based Violence)
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to Human Rights Day (Activism Against Gender-Based Violence)
A Call to Action from NUPENG Gender Desk
The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) actively supports the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign observed annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). This period serves as a critical reminder of the pervasive impact of gender-based violence (GBV) and the collective responsibility to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) across private, public, workplace, and online spaces, while promoting gender equality. It is a powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of this violence and a call for collective action to hold decision-makers accountable.
Why This Campaign Matters
Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent, and devastating human rights violations globally. According to UN statistics, one in three women experience violence during her lifetime. The impact transcends borders, cultures, and socio-economic divides, with girls particularly vulnerable to forms of violence like:
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Domestic abuse
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Sexual harassment
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Human trafficking
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Child marriage
Femicide, the most brutal manifestation of GBV, defined as the intentional killing of women or girls due to their gender.
The latest report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women reveals that femicide is rising globally. Many gender-related killings are linked not just to intimate partners or family members but also to other contexts like:
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Sexual violence by strangers
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Harmful practices (e.g., child marriage, female genital mutilation, and honor killings)
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Hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity
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Armed conflict and organized crime
Alarmingly, four in ten intentional murders of women and girls remain unclassified as gender-related due to inadequate investigation and criminal justice recording practices.
Themes and Focus Areas
For 2024, the campaign theme, "UNiTE: Call to Action—Ending Violence Against Women Now!” emphasizes the urgency of concrete solutions. Key focus areas include:
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Strengthening Legal Protections: Advocating robust laws to hold perpetrators accountable and safeguard survivors.
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Addressing Harmful Socio-Cultural Norms: Challenging traditions, stereotypes, and practices that perpetuate gender inequality.
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Promoting Economic Empowerment: Supporting women with education, employment, and financial independence to reduce vulnerability.
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Enhancing Survivor Support Services: Ensuring access to healthcare, legal aid, and counseling for victims.
Taking Action
For Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), this period represents an opportunity to champion the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) within Nigeria's Oil and Gas sectors. The campaign encourages participation at all levels, from grassroots movements to online advocacy. You can make a difference by:
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Raising Awareness: Share stories, resources, and statistics using hashtags like #16Days, #EndViolence, and #OrangeTheWorld.
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Engaging Communities: Organize workshops, marches, or dialogues to educate and inspire action.
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Supporting Survivors: Volunteer at shelters, donate to anti-GBV organizations, or advocate for survivor-centered services.
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Advocating for Policy Change: Push for the prioritization of gender equality and resource allocation for GBV prevention and survivor support.