How to get involved in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign
“Count Me In: Together Moving a Non-Violent South Africa Forward” - that's the theme for this year's 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children campaign which encourages all South Africans to play their part in ending gender-based violence. Here are the top five suggestions on how you can get involved.
Wear a white ribbon
Support the campaign by wearing the white ribbon through the 16-day initiative. This symbolises peace and the commitment to never commit or condone violence against women and children.
Get involved
Many non-profit and non-governmental organisations need public support and there are a number of local organisations that focus on the support of women and children. You can get involved by sponsoring plastic tables and chairs for kids, help plant a garden at a children's home or shelter, perhaps shadow a counselor or child psychologist.
Here are organisations that you can contact and get involved with -
Join the cyber discussions
Tweet, tweet, tweet! There are a number of organisations - both local and international that are driving discussions on social media. Do you have a story to tell? Do you want to pledge support or share images and videos of how you are getting involved in the campaign? Take the discussion online!
Let the #secret out.
— ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. (@ER24EMS) November 27, 2016
Act against #abuse.#16Days#16DaysOfActivism pic.twitter.com/gbi6nEhY5Y
#DidYouKnow: 1-in-3 women will experience violence in their lifetime? RT if you agree that we must reverse this trend. #16voices #16days pic.twitter.com/5bzPEI00eY
— UNFPA (@UNFPA) November 25, 2016
Join these 16 Days Campaign participants for the THIRD DAY of the #16Days #GBVTeachin! Follo using the listed Twitter handles! pic.twitter.com/1XsXF1RMmU
— 16 Days Campaign (@16DaysCampaign) November 27, 2016
Today is Int. Day of Elimination of Violence against Women. This is a big focus for South Africa. #SeeMeNow #16DaysOfActivism pic.twitter.com/GbFj2e4JpH
— loveLife (@loveLifeNGO) November 25, 2016
Donate a toy
The Durban National Motorcycle Toy Run - which takes place today - will see hundreds of bikers travel in a marathon bike ride from the Pavilion Shopping Centre to the Amanzimtoti Sports Ground in a bid to collect children's toys which will be donated to local children's charities.
Join a community policing forum (CPF)
Each town and/ or neighbourhood has one. Together with the police, these crime prevention bodies actively work to ensure the safety of their local communities. It's a partnership of the community and the local police stations in ensuring safety on a local front. You can volunteer your services and time to support policing efforts to fight crime. Contact your local police station for more information on how to get involved.