Rural Women’s Assembly (RWA) in Zambia participated in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) from the 25th of November to the 10th of December, in solidarity with its rural women members. This was done as part of the larger global movement of the same name, which has taken place since 1991 in more than 187 countries and is traditionally observed from the 25th of November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to the 10th of December (International Human Rights Day).
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence is an international campaign intended to raise awareness about the problem of gender-based violence, as well as to strengthen efforts to end it. This year RWA Zambia participated with their rural women members in their 16 days of activism, engaging in activities such as outreach, education, meetings and discussions in an effort to prevent, reduce and respond to GBV.
The campaign is especially important given the severity of GBV in Zambia. In a survey conducted by the Zambian National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL), it was found that two thirds of Zambian women have experienced psychological, physical, or sexual violence in the past year. Moreover, GBV disproportionately affects women in rural areas, with the ZNWL’s survey finding that over 50 percent of rural women have experienced physical abuse compared to 25 percent of urban women.
As this year’s campaign drew to a close, RWA Zambia participated in the RWA Southern Africa region webinar and dialogue, ‘Womens’ Lives Matter! End GBV now!’ Over 30 RWA Zambia members joined in from Lusaka, Copperbelt and Central provinces. The webinar included speakers such as: Virginia Muwanigwa, the CEO of Zimbabwe Gender Commission and Sarah Murera the UN Women, Programme Specialist for Ending Violence against Women. It gave the rural women a platform to
learn more on how to fight against GBV and an opportunity to speak from their experiences.
