Today, 10 December, is Human Rights Day. It marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV) campaign, which began on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
This year, the European
Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) joined forces with the global
#OrangetheWorld campaign, using the colour orange in all outreach and
communication materials. Over
fifty-seven thousand
people were reached through EUMM’s social media
campaign, marking a significant increase in audience engagement. The Mission
distributed hundreds of orange ribbons to communities for men and women to wear
as a sign of their support for the fight against GBV.
EUMM marked the
campaign by holding a total of 23 events overall which took place in each of
its 4 locations (Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Gori and Zugdidi) on each of the past 16
days.
These events included
outreach sessions in schools and universities, innovative forum theatre
performances, roundtables and information sessions with local NGOs, the
distribution of EUMM-supported information leaflets about crucial services for
gender-based violence (GBV) survivors, and interactive posters for its own
staff to present their views on the topics.
Topics included
gender-based violence (GBV), harmful gender stereotypes, gender-based bullying,
gender equality, and women’s human security. Through outreach sessions in 15 schools
– mainly close to the Administrative Boundary Lines with South Ossetia and
Abkhazia - and 2 universities, EUMM reached over 600 young people, such as.
“When girls know
about their rights and that GBV is a human rights violation and that help is
available, we can better protect ourselves,” said a 16-year-old girl who
attended one of EUMM’s presentations. “There are many harmful gender
stereotypes that fuel inequality and violence in the society,” added her
classmate.
Recognizing GBV as one of the gravest and
most prevalent human rights violations in the world, EUMM remains committed to
the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence beyond the 16 Days of
Activism campaign.
