The international campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is approaching this year's halfway mark with a global theme of “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is joining the event, a press release said. It began Nov. 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.
“PEPFAR echoes the urgent call to end gender-based violence (GBV) and recommits to delivering GBV prevention and response services for the communities that we support,” PEPFAR said in its Nov. 24 release.
Ending gender-based violence and keeping children safe are high priorities for PEPFAR, and critical to the initiative's mission to combat HIV, the release said.
“As we approach World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, PEPFAR remains deeply committed to achieving epidemic control of HIV through the provision of equitable, person-centered services that respect the dignity and rights of all those who put their trust in us, particularly the most vulnerable,” the release said. “Everyone we support or engage with globally has the right to feel protected from all forms of harm, including exploitation, abuse, neglect, discrimination, and coercion. All our staff and implementing partners are responsible for upholding our zero-tolerance policy for any form of harm and for enhancing the safety of all persons participating in PEPFAR programs.”
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign kicked off by activists at the inaugural Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991, according to information on the UN Women website. The event is coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership and is used as a worldwide organizing strategy to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
PEPFAR, an initiative to address global HIV/AIDS worldwide, was launched by the George W. Bush administration in 2003. The initiative has provided over $100 billion in cumulative funding for HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and research, according to data compiled by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
The still-ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is fueling more stress and economic uncertainty around the world, making it more imperative to work toward prevention and respond to gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, PEPFAR said.
“We stand united with the global community during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, as we rededicate ourselves to ending the dual epidemics of HIV and gender-based violence, including violence against women, children, and key populations,” the release said. “Achieving these goals is vital to protecting human rights, strengthening global health security, supporting economic development, and creating a healthier and safer world.”
