16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence 1996 November 25

Nov. 22

Ø Costa Rica, San Jose -- Second Tribunal on Violations of Women's Human Rights (Radio Feminista Internacional, CODEHU, CODEHUCA, Colectiva 25 de Noviembre: Mujeres por una Vida sin Violencia, Programa Mujer, Salud y Genero del ILPES)

Ø Mexico, Mexico D.F. -- group stands, panels at local schools, and rock concert featuring the rock group, la Resistencia (Asociacion para el Desarrollo de Personas Violadas, ADIVAC)

Nov. 23

Ø Argentina, Rosario -- festival to commemorate the creation of the Trainers Network for Sexual Education (Instituto de Estudios Juridico-sociales de la Mujer, INDESO-MUJER)

Ø England, Manchester -- national event based on theme "Zero Tolerance of Violence Against Women" including a march through the center of the city ending outside the town hall, a platform of international speakers, a minute's silence to mourn women and girls who have died, and a time for singing to celebrate survival and resistance (Manchester Justice for Women)

Ø Mexico, Mexicali -- press conference exposing information about the extent of gender-based violence (Alaide Foppa, A.C.)

Ø Mexico, Mexico D.F. -- screening of the movie "Women's Law," followed by discussion; book presentation of "Doña Marina" by Frederico Balmori; and, painting exhibit (ADIVAC)

Nov. 24

Ø Argentina, Buenos Aires -- discussion for self-help groups on the significance of International Day Against Violence Against Women (Fundacion Alicia Moreau de Justo)

Ø Mexico, Mexico D.F. -- screening of the movie "Bittersweet Moon" followed by discussion (ADIVAC)

Nov. 25

Ø Argentina, Quilmes -- march to denounce systematic violations of women's rights (Red de Mujeres de Zona Sur)

Ø Argentina, Rosario -- screening of the video "Abriendo Puertas," which addresses the issue of domestic violence (INDESO-MUJER)

Ø Bolivia, Tarija -- radio program with anonymous testimonies of women victims of violence (Centro Integral de la Mujer, CIM)

Ø Canada, Quebec -- march to build awareness of violence against women in the community (Centre Actu-Elle)

Ø Ecuador, Loja -- roundtable discussion on problems in implementing the law against violence against women and recommendations for improvement (Red de Mujeres de Loja)

Ø England, London -- mock trial in the Council Chamber in which the public will serve as jury in a domestic violence case resulting in the wife's death. TV presenter Sue Cook and barrister Helena Kennedy will take part in the trial. A debate and collection to support DEMUS (an organization against domestic and sexual violence in Peru) will follow (Womankind Worldwide)

Ø India, Cochin -- inauguration of the Women's Vigilance Forum, created to act on all forms of atrocities committed against women and to support women in emergency situations (Cultural Academy for Peace)

Ø Mali, Bamako -- first anniversary commemoration of the dressmaking training center for women and girls detained at the Great Prison of Bamako which was opened last year for the celebration of the Fifth Annual Campaign (Association Pour le Progres et la Defense des droits des Femmes Maliennes, APDF)

Ø Mexico, Mexicali -- public display of the "Clothesline" of violence against women at the Plaza; collection of signatures supporting the "Convención de Belem do Pará" and, display of newspaper clippings and flyers about violence (Alaide Foppa, A.C.)

Ø Mexico, Mexico D.F. -- group stands, group conferences on Familial Violence and Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence and Women, movie screening of "A Walk Over the Fog" and a concert featuring Betsy Pecanins (ADIVAC)

Ø South Africa, Johannesburg -- speeches by female members of parliament, testimonies by rape survivors, and discussion of strategies for change; presentation recommendations to minister of justice with proposals for amendments to the law (OXFAM South Africa)

Ø The Netherlands, Utrecht -- public debate, organized together with Press Now, on "Rape in Former Yugoslavia" focusing on the systematic rape occurring in that war, the reaction of the international community, the "Hague Tribunal," and the possibility for raped women to receive asylum in Holland; a publication by a Bosnian journalist, Saeda Vranich, "Breaking the Wall of Silence: The Voices of Raped Bosnia," and a book from HOM about women, the asylum policy and human rights will be presented (Humanist Committee on Human Rights)

Ø Peru, Arequipa -- discussion of human rights and violence against women with the Defender of the People (Labor Institute for Regional Development, ILDER)

Ø Peru, Lima -- press conference with the Office of the Defense of Women, the President of the Commission on Women of the Congress and the President of the Providential Permanent Commission on Women's Rights (Movimiento Manuela Ramos)

Ø South Africa, East London -- "Survivor's Tribunal" in which women survivors will volunteer to come forward and testify before judges, general public and media. Testimonies will be followed by discussions and a Plan of Action to strengthen the campaign against gender violence (Masimanyane Women's Support Centre and Eastern Cape NGO Coalition)

Ø United States, Massachusetts -- distribution of purple ribbons to highlight presence of violence in our lives and its effects on society; distribution of information about domestic violence; and, discussions in four different arenas on ways to end domestic violence (Mount Holyoke College)

Ø United States, New Jersey -- reception and program to celebrate the induction of Charlotte Bunch, Executive Director, Center for Women's Global Leadership to the National Women's Hall of Fame (Douglass College and Institute for Women's Leadership)

Ø United States, New Jersey -- "Break the Silence" campaign, which includes the collection of writings by the community about experiences and concerns to break the silence of abuse and promote healing; the compilation will be presented on this day at a collective reading (Women's Center, William Paterson College)

Ø Zimbabwe, Bulawayo -- church memorial service for women and girls who have died in violence (Women in Law and Development Africa, WiLDAF)

Ø Zimbabwe, Harare -- launch of campaign with results of two research projects focusing on the extent of domestic violence, its manifestations, and women's experiences; included national TV and radio coverage (WiLDAF)

Ø Dominican Republic, Mexico, United States, Venezuela -- in-house seminar on the topic of violence and screening of the movie "El tribunal de Viena" followed by discussion (International Planned Parenthood Federation)

Nov. 25 - 26

Ø Pakistan, Lahore -- workshop on violence against women and its eradication, concluding with a march to protest the lack of government interest in developing measures for the elimination of violence against women (Working Women Organization)

Nov. 25 - 29

Ø Peru, Lima -- Second International Conference on Women and Human Rights (Movimiento Manuela Ramos)

Nov. 25 - Dec. 10

Ø Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman -- workshops in all major districts hosted by Victor Forde, a clinical psychologist who has been working in area of domestic abuse for over 20 years (Cayman Islands Business & Professional Women's Club)

Ø Philippines, Zamboanga -- campaign against sexual violence (Lamao RIC Association); campaign for women's human rights (San Francisco RIC Association); and, campaign against domestic violence (Causwagan RIC Association) (coordinated by Municipal Agriculture Office)

Ø United States, Oregon -- designation of each day as an issue day for which local community organizations will choose and organize activities. Examples include press conference on the steps of the Capitol to highlight issues of women in prison, street theater about domestic violence, and a candlelight vigil on women's right to control their own bodies (Women Empowered Beyond Beijing, W.E.B.B.)

Ø United States, Vermont -- clothesline display of women's personal experiences. Individuals are invited to share a story, poem, word or picture about women's experiences (Burlington Women's Council)

Nov. 26

Ø Bolivia, Tarija -- TV panel with the participation of lawyers, psychologists and grass roots women to discuss the Law against Violence in the Family, its results an effects (CIM)

Ø India, Ahmedabad -- inauguration of "Dial AWAG Help Line" for women in distress. Line will be staffed by clinical psychologists, social activists and action groups enabling all women, including those living in rural areas, to reach out for help (Ahmedabad Women's Action Group)

Ø United States, Vermont -- film festival which will include: "Rishte," which explores male sex preference in India, and, "Ventre Livre," which examines the relationship between reproductive rights and economic and social inequalities of Brazilian women (Burlington Women's Council)

Nov. 27

Ø Zimbabwe, Harare -- public display, drama performance, and discussion with audience (WiLDAF - Musasa Project)

Nov. 27 - Dec. 5

Ø Bolivia, Tarija -- seminars and workshops with high school students about gender, gender violence and women's human rights (CIM)

Nov. 28

Ø Argentina, Buenos Aires -- panel discussion on the subject of worker's right to motherhood and mothers right to work (ñuñu asociación de ayuda materna)

Ø Zimbabwe, Harare -- seminar with key people in justice system to re-draft the domestic violence legislation and submit a final draft (WiLDAF)

Nov. 28 - Dec. 2

Ø Macedonia, Skopje -- workshop to recognize and define women's human rights, violations of women's human rights, obstacles to the realization of women's human rights, and build solidarity between women of various social spheres (Be active, Be emancipated, B.a.B.e.)

Nov. 29

Ø Argentina, Rosario -- outdoor festival in the main square of Plaza Pringles, sponsored by the Commission on Violence of the Women's Division of the local government (INDESO-MUJER)

Ø Canada, Toronto -- distribution of white ribbons to commemorate the "White Ribbon Day" which seeks to expose men to issues of violence against women and to support its elimination; distribution of posters; flyers and ribbons in addition to discussions with families, friends and colleagues about the issue; white ribbons will be worn today by several thousand Laidlaw school bus drivers in Toronto and Kingston; creation of web site, <www.competitor.net/wrc> (White Ribbon Campaign)

Ø Peru, Arequipa -- workshop on assisting abused women from Cayma, Tiabaya and Characato (ILDER)

Ø Peru, Lima -- public forum entitled, "The Defense of the People and the Protection of Women's Rights," with the participation of Defenders of Women from El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru (Movimiento Manuela Ramos)

Ø Venezuela, Caracas -- forum entitled, "For the Right to Live a Life Without Violence!" to present and discuss the draft bill of the Venezuelan Law against Violence towards Women and the Family, and the law approving the InterAmerican Convention to Prevent, Sanction and Eradicate Violence Against Women (Asociacion Venezolana para una Educacion Sexual Alternativa, AVESA)

Ø Zimbabwe, Chiweshe -- outreach workshop (WiLDAF)

Nov. 30

Ø England, London -- open meeting to plan future activities and follow-up to the International Conference in Brighton, UK, November 10-15th, "Violence, Abuse and Women's Citizenship" (National Women's Network)

Ø Ukraine, Kyiv -- "No Violence at a Ukrainian Home" meeting (Women's Information Consultative Center)

Ø Zimbabwe, Harare -- music concert to mark World AIDS Day and to celebrate life, in the face of HIV and violence against women (WiLDAF)

Dec. 1

Ø Argentina, Buenos Aires -- demonstration against gender violence (ñuñu asociación de ayuda materna)

Ø Bolivia, Tarija -- radio program about HIV/AIDS, education and prevention (CIM)

Ø Mali, Bamako -- activities aimed at creating public awareness and discussion on AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases in Kolokani, Kita, Bandiagara and Koutiala; establishment of permanent information and sensitization committee on AIDS (APDF)

Ø Pakistan, Lahore -- convention on the achievement of women's rights (Working Women Organization)

Ø Ukraine, Kyiv -- radio program with the theme "Let's Realize Our Rights" and publication of a special issue of "Dialogue on Diversity" magazine about women's human rights and implementation (Women's Information Consultative Center)

Ø Zimbabwe, Harare -- all pentecostal churches falling under the Zimbabwe Council of Churches to have a special sermon on violence against women (WiLDAF)

Dec. 2

Ø United States, Illinois -- commemoration of the Dec. 2, 1980 rape and murder of Maura Clarke, Jean Donovan, Ita Ford and Dorothy Kazel, four U.S. churchwomen working in El Salvador (Women-Church Convergence)

Dec. 3

Ø United States, Vermont -- speaker Vandana Shiva, "The Global Economy and its effects on Women" (Burlington Women's Council)

Ø Zimbabwe, Harare -- public display of information materials and drama performance (WiLDAF)

Dec. 3 - 6

Ø Canada, Vancouver -- display of the University of British Columbia clothesline project to demonstrate the impact of violence against women (University of British Columbia)

Dec. 5

Ø Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman -- women's rally (Cayman Islands Business & Professional Women's Club)

Ø Ukraine, Kyiv -- meeting with high school students to discuss "Gender Equality at Home and in the Street" (Women's Information Consultative Center)

Ø Zimbabwe, Harare -- street march and public tribunal on domestic violence (WiLDAF)

Dec. 6

Ø Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman -- report on domestic violence, and the changes needed to reduce and prevent its incidence in the Cayman Islands, will be presented to the Minister for Women's Affairs (Cayman Islands Business & Professional Women's Club)

Ø Mali, Bamako -- meeting with other women's rights NGOs to share and exchange information on national and international instruments dealing with women's human rights (APDF)

Ø United States, Vermont -- candlelight vigil and speak-out (Burlington Women's Council)

Ø Zimbabwe, Bulawayo -- public tribunal (WiLDAF)

Dec. 6 - 7

Ø Pakistan, Lahore -- corner meetings with male and female workers in slum areas, brick kiln and rural areas (Working Women Organization)

Dec. 7

Ø United States, Oregon -- day-long Tribunal on Violations of Women's Human Rights where testifiers will address issues such as Human Rights Abuses in the Family; Human Rights Abuses against Girls; Violations of Bodily Integrity; and, Institutional Violations of Women's Human Rights: Legal, Economic & Political (W.E.B.B.)

Ø Zimbabwe, Harare -- public discussion on domestic violence and drama performance (WiLDAF)

Dec. 8

Ø Argentina, Buenos Aires -- panel discussion on breast feeding (ñuñu asociación de ayuda materna)

Dec. 8 - 9

Ø Bolivia, Pterygia -- public panel on "women's rights are human rights" (CIM)

Dec. 9

Ø United States, Massachusetts -- first gala fundraiser including public education on the 16 Days Campaign and violence against women as a global human rights concern (Women's Rights Network)

Dec. 10

Ø Bolivia, Pterygia -- radio and TV programmes to mark the end of this year's campaign (CIM)

Ø Colombia, Cali -- paintings, murals, writings, etc. focused on the situation of women and their human rights (Development, Security and Peace Council, DESEPAZ)

Ø Ecuador, Loja -- forum to celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Red de Mujeres de Loja)

Ø Mali, Bamako -- distribution of the Convention on the Rights of Children, CEDAW and other international instruments on human rights in seven schools (APDF)

Ø Pakistan, Lahore -- procession through the streets demanding the government to repeal all anti-women laws; pressure the government to constitute laws against domestic violence and harassment and ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Working Women Organization)

Ø Peru, Arequipa -- panel on the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education (ILDER)

Ø Russia, Moscow -- presentation of the Russian version of "Our Human Rights," a manual for human rights education (Center for Women, Family and Gender Studies)

Ø Serbia, Belgrade -- protests against serbian regime in commemoration of human rights day entitled "Feminists on the Street" (Autonomous Women's Center Against Sexual Violence)

Ø South Africa, East London -- march by candlelight to raise awareness of gender violence and to commemorate "Take Back the Night Campaign" (Masimanyane Women's Support Centre and Eastern Cape NGO Coalition)

Ø Ukraine, Kyiv, Uzhhorod, Simferopol, Kherson -- training "chain" on "Women's Human Rights" and distribution of posters and flyers on violence against women as a human rights concern (Women's Information Consultative Center)

Ø United States, Vermont -- slide show presentation by Lucy Gluck on "Thailand, Women and HIV/AIDS" (Burlington Women's Council)

Ø Zimbabwe, Harare -- lawyers for human rights street march and distribution of information (WiLDAF)

Dec. 14 - 15

Ø Turkey, Ankara -- culmination of the "Women's Rights Project" which aims at training and raising awareness of women from different social classes and backgrounds on violence against women in the family as a human rights issue (The Foundation for Women's Solidarity)

General Activities

Ø Argentina, Buenos Aires -- city-wide distribution of posters stating, "PARE, la violencia enferma y mata" (Fundacion Alicia Moreau de Justo)

Ø Argentina, Buenos Aires -- local radio programs speaking against gender violence every Wednesday during 16 Days (ñuñu asociación de ayuda materna)

Ø Argentina, Rosario -- circulate poster to initiate a community-wide campaign for the 16 Days which reads "Violence Against Women is a Human Rights Violation" (Instituto de Genero, Derecho y Desarrollo)

Ø Colombia, Cali -- workshops on mechanisms and alternatives for an improvement in the standard of living for women and for defense of their rights; creation of a directory of support centers and related institutions; sharing stories of organizing experiences (DESEPAZ)

Ø Ecuador, Loja -- dissemination of information and discussion of the Law Against Violence Against Women and the Family (Red de Mujeres de Loja)

Ø England, London -- production of a special issue of newsletter for the 16 Days Campaign (National Women's Network)

Ø India, Cochin -- district level campaign to combat the increasing rate of suicide among women in India and for the elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination against women (Cultural Academy for Peace)

Ø Cote d'Ivoire, Abidjan -- petition circulation, human rights festival, public conference and film viewing (Amnesty International)

Ø Mauritius, Curepipe -- publication of a 12-page information paper to mark the 16 Days Campaign to be distributed to women's organizations, churches, colleges, members of parliament, church leaders, youth clubs, the press and other NGOs; presentation of paper on radio station in Madagascar; and, education to raise awareness of Domestic Violence and the Family Protection Bill which the government is proposing (S.O.S. Femmes)

Ø The Netherlands, Amsterdam -- announcement of the 16 Days Campaign in newsletter and at local activities (European Youth Forest Action, EYFA)

Ø Nicaragua, Bluefields -- acknowledgment of domestic violence as a public health issue by the Minister of Health; follow-up activities to the National Conference on Children, Adolescence and Violence; production of a pamphlet, "What to do and where to go in case of violence" for young people; and, pressuring the President of the Republic to approve and sign the Law Against Domestic Violence (Nicaraguan Institute of Agrarian Reform, INRA)

Ø Peru, Arequipa -- radio program on gender and human rights and a film on human rights to be broadcast on the UNSA Television network (ILDER)

Ø Peru, Lima -- national distribution of Violence Against Women posters (Movimento Manuela Ramos)

International Calendar of Campaign Activities