Day 3/16 Days of Activism on ending Violence Against Women
Violence against women and girls is widespread in East Africa. Violence cuts across class, tradition and culture. It is part and parcel of the daily lives of women in the region. This is because our cultures have sustained it, ignored it, condoned it, justified it and even encouraged it. Because Violence is part and parcel of women’s daily lives in the region, some women view it as a sign of love from partners. This is totally wrong!
Women who face violence are powerless to protect themselves from HIV infection and are unable to access HIV services because they fear to be attacked, threatened by partners.
Call to action on Governments
Enact and enforce laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination against women. Amend or repeal all laws that violate women’s rights in marriage.
Call to action on Traditional leaders:
Cultural institutions and traditional leaders are respected structures in East Africa. Use your privileged position to protect the women and girls in your community. Sensitize the community on cultural practices that protect women and girls. Work towards making better or eliminating those that pre dispose women and girls to violence.
Call to action on CSOs:
Empower women to know their rights, so as to challenge and not to condone violations against them
Call to action on Women
Amplify your Voice, Orange the World; speak out if you face violence. Love does not hurt; violence can never be a sign of love. Join us at #WLHIVSPEAKOUT; Join the Global Campaign (Orange the World, #HearMeToo)
Contact
Margaret Happy, Advocacy Manager, mhappy@icwea.org/admin@icwea.org
Facebook: ICW Eastern Africa
Twitter: @ICWEastAFrica, Web: www.icwea.org
