Launch of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence |25 November 2023
New empowerment programme launched
A new programme to encourage women to speak out on gender-based violence and help other people not to lose hope, was officially launched yesterday ahead of this year’s annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
This empowerment programme will strengthen the self-esteem and autonomy of those segments of the population, which are more likely to be at risk of violence.
It is a collaboration between the family department, SECTI which is a non-governmental organisation and other key partners such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.
Through decentralistion of services, it is being proposed that more women and men will be equipped with skills to support one another when facing violence and encourage more empowerment in various domains.
The launch took place at L’escale Resort and Marina yesterday under the theme ‘Safe Seychelles - Empowering voices ending violence’.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on November 25, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10, which is the Human Rights Day.
It started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be marked annually across the globe. The global theme for this year’s campaign is ‘UNITE, Activism to end violence against women and girls’.
The aim of the campaign is to promote the use of human rights based tactics to address violence against women and drive meaningful progress in the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Speaking at the launch, Gerald Kiwale, principal research officer in the research and policy planning division of the Family department, said the 16-day campaign is a time to put more emphasis on the fight against all forms of gender-based violence.
It is also a time for us to educate the victims on their rights and on the services that are available for them, he added.
From July 25, the Family department has collaborated with SECTI and other key partners to ensure that members of the public get more information on violence through a series of sessions to empower them. The programme was initiated with the men and women from Roche Caiman and Plaisance districts.
Topics being covered in this programme include the definition of violence, how to deal with it, becoming more resilient, communication, as well as values such as love, peace and respect.
Nyliette Cherry, a resident of Plaisance, took part in the sessions and shared her testimony during the ceremony. As a woman who has gone through some bad experiences, the session has allowed me to know my power and my rights, she said.
Through a presentation, counsellor at the Family department, Steve Pointe, shared key questions with those attending. The individuals present voiced out their views on what can be done to make Seychelles a safe place, the negative effects and experiences faced by victims, and the importance of educating people on the various forms of violence.
Well-known artist Katty Melanie was also present to pass on inspiring messages through two songs. Another important activity throughout the campaign will be a solidarity walk against gender-based violence at Anse Royale today starting at 9:30am, organised by the Soroptimist Club of Seychelles in collaboration with the Family department. The meeting point will be at the Anse Royale community centre, and those present will walk in front of the beach park, going through the Sweet Escott road and back to the meeting point.
There will be outreach programmes and awareness campaigns on November 29-30 on La Digue.
Photo by Joena Meme