By Seun Adams
The Women Supporting Women Network, WSWN, a non- profit organisation, joins the global call to end violence against women and girls by advocating for increased investment in women’s organisations, better legislation, prosecution of perpetrators, more services for survivors, and training for law enforcement officials.
The organisation recognises that violence against women and girls is not inevitable, but can be eliminated through collective action and breaking the silence.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the world’s most pervasive human rights violations.
With more than five women or girls killed every hour by someone in their own family, and almost one in three women experiencing physical and/or sexual violence, it is clear that urgent action is needed.
Women Supporting Women Network, under the leadership of Mrs Toyin Omozuwa, Founder/CEO of CSO has been at the forefront of creating awareness and educating the public about the dangers of gender-based violence.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which was observed on November 25th each year, marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs until December 10th, Human Rights Day.
This year’s global theme for the 16 Days of Activism is ‘UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against Women and Girls,’ emphasising the importance of investing in prevention initiatives.
WSWN, has undertaken various initiatives to educate the public about gender-based violence. Some specific initiatives include organising workshops and training sessions to raise awareness about the issue, collaborating with schools to implement educational programmes, conducting public awareness campaigns through social media and hosting events such as ‘The Orange Forum’ to engage the community in discussions about gender-based violence.
WSWN, will continue to educate society about the culture of gender-based violence, collaborate with policymakers to relegate it to history, as well as partner with the media to raise awareness and push GBV-related issues to the forefront of public consciousness.
Join WSWN during the #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence to speak out, break the cycle of abuse, promote respect, eliminate gender stereotypes, increase awareness, advocate for change, and support survivors. Protecting women and girls is not an expense; it is an investment in a safer and more equitable society.
WSWN invites you to join their annual event, ‘The Orange Forum,’ which will be held on Zoom on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, at 4:00 p.m (WAT). The event will feature eminent speakers, interactive panel discussions, and stories from survivors of domestic violence from across the globe.
For more information about The Orange Forum 2023, kindly contact networkwsw@gmail.com or visit wswnetwork.org.