Enough Is Enough
Our teams worldwide stand united against gender-based violence.
International Medical Corps joined the global community in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) from November 25 through December 10.
GBV is a prevalent public health and human rights issue, affecting the physical and psychological health of survivors, as well as the health and well-being of families and communities. Women and girls are especially vulnerable to violence in emergency settings, where risks are combined with interruptions of support systems. We work with communities to address these risks, and to combat beliefs and practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
“An estimated one in three women will face physical, mental or sexual abuse in their lifetimes.” –World Health Organization
Here’s a quick review of how our teams marked 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Cameroon
In collaboration with refugee and community leaders, our GBV teams in Cameroon successfully launched the 16 Days campaign in a town called Maroua, as well as in Menawao Camp, in the far north of the country.
In Maroua, refugee women and adolescent girls supported by International Medical Corps exhibited handcrafted materials made in the Menawao camp. Community members were able to see the skill of these women and girls, and were able to purchase the crafts on display, generating income for the crafters.
In the Menawao Camp, a representative from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) gave a speech on the importance of the 16 Days campaign, and called on the government of Cameroon, the United Nations and their partners to do more to improve the lives of women and girls, stressing that it is time to say no to all forms of violence.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Our team in the DRC celebrated the 16 Days campaign with a well-organized and peaceful march where participants called attention to the impact of conflict on women.
Ethiopia
Women’s groups at the Jewi refugee camp in Gambella took part in celebrating the 16 Days campaign.
The women-friendly space we’ve established in the town is a place where women and girls can receive psychosocial support services, including referrals to specialized and advanced care.
Iraq
As part of the 16 Days campaign, kids in Iraq joined women and men in demanding an end to violence against women.
Our staff also played their part, raising their voices to demand an end to violence against women and girls.
Lebanon
Rouba, Chaza, Abbas and Hiam from our GBV staff in Lebanon all supported the 16 Days campaign, saying “enough is enough” to violence against women and girls.
Nigeria
In Damboa, male community leaders, as well as women from our women-friendly space, came together to take part in the 16 Days campaign activities and to raise awareness around gender-based violence.
Pakistan
We’ve been addressing GBV in Pakistan since 2008, and are the first organization to fight GBV with a comprehensive community-based strategy in refugee villages in Khyber Paktunkhwa province. Today, we are assisting around 300,000 Afghan refugees in 14 villages across the province.
During the celebrations surrounding the 16 Days campaign, our Pakistan teams organized various events that gave participants a forum to discuss GBV and how to prevent violence against women and girls.
South Sudan
Our teams in South Sudan successfully launched their activities around the campaign with cultural dances from men and women, as well as speeches from participants that raised awareness of the impact of violence against women and girls.
Our South Sudan GBV Program staff also joined hands to stand against rape, in a ceremony marking the launch of the 16 Days campaign.
Ukraine
Our team in Ukraine implemented gender-based violence prevention and response activities for women and girls living close to the areas of conflict in the eastern part of the country. In these areas, we provide youth and older people, including women and men, with opportunities to engage in recreational activities, learn about the dynamics of GBV, and share approaches to address such issues and share their concerns.
Throughout the 16 Days — and throughout the year! — our team said enough is enough to gender-based violence.
Though this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign has ended, we’re determined to keep the conversation surrounding GBV going — look for and use the #EnoughIsEnough hashtag on Twitter and voice your support for an end to violence against women today.
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