‘One Canvas, Many Voices’
Network Members and Supporters Combating Violence Against Women and Girls for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international civil society led campaign that takes place year. The campaign starts on the 25th of November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on the 10th of December, International Human Rights Day. In support of this initiative under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative, it calls for global action to increase awareness, glavanize advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to end violence against women and girls. This year, the UNiTE campaign theme is ‘#NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women.’

As part of the Peacemakers Network’s strategy of ensuring a ‘whole of society approach’ through inclusive peace practices and partnerships, members and supporters of the Peacemakers Network participate in the annual 16 Days Campaign. This year, efforts of the Peacemakers Network will build on the World Council of Churches Thursdays in Black Campaign waterfall tapestry through, ‘One Canvas, Many Voices: Network Members and Supporters Combating Violence Against Women and Girls .’ The campaign invited Network members and supporters to create and submit graphic art or written messages that represents their work on ending violence against women and girls. Below are their advocacy pieces.

Anthonia Lawal (Nigeria)
My graphic art represents a typical situation where women and girls are not allowed to voice their opinions and be heard. It is important to end #GBV so that women and girls can enjoy a safe and prosperous space where they are able to voice their opinions without being shut down, and where they can live and thrive!
Asma Ramzy (Egypt)
Gender-based violence is one of the most widespread and pervasive human rights violations in the world, and it knows no social, economic, or national boundaries. While it undermines the health, dignity, security, and autonomy of survivors, it remains shrouded in a culture of silence, supported by cultural norms and traditions that either support, justify, or downplay it as a normal and familiar phenomenon in relations between men and women.
Olo Byolenganya (Democratic Republic of Congo)
A world free from gender-based violence, is a place where everyone, regardless of gender, lives in safety, respect, and equality. Where communities support one another, where opportunities are accessible to all, and individuals can live without fear of oppression.
Charles Esibikhwa (Kenya)
I’m sharing my activism art, which involves different women with different occupations – I believe every woman, no matter what she does, deserves to be treated with dignity.
Elvis Mike Ogutu (Kenya)
The alarming statistics and continued #GBV to femicide in Kenya is not just a crime against women and girls but a violation of basic #humanrights and an assault on the fabric of society.
Eunice Kalu (Nigeria)
The issue of ending violence against women and girls is important to me because living in a world free from violence will bring in peace. There will be justice, people will not live in fear. They will maximize their God given potentials for the good of humanity and the environment.
Favor Khaoya (Kenya)
A world free of gender-based violence means one where everyone feels safe and valued, free to live without fear or harm. It’s a world where survivors are met with unwavering support, reminded of their worth, and empowered to dream of a brighter future. Together, we walk beside them, offering compassion and strength as they embark on their healing journey.
Grace Wendo (Kenya)
The issue of ending violence against women and girls is important because “ending violence is crucial, because every life deserves to be lived in safety, free from fear and harm. It’s about breaking the silence, standing in solidarity, and creating a world where respect, equality, and justice are non-negotiable.
Joy Gitau (Kenya)
A world free from gender-based violence is a world where peace is the norm and all are free from all forms of gender-based violence.
Leunita Sumba (Kenya)
Galvanizing women’s power, agency, spirituality and feminist lens in addressing gender-based violence for a more peaceful Kenya.
Mable Chawinga (Nigeria)
My graphic art represents a typical situation where women and girls are not allowed to voice their opinions and be heard. It is important to end #GBV so that women and girls can enjoy a safe and prosperous space where they are able to voice their opinions without being shut down, and where they can live and thrive!
Martha Nakhate Phonera (Malawi)
A world free from gender-based violence means that the survivors of gender-based violence are not blamed and victimized.
Melaku Abere (Ethiopia)
As a law student living with a disability, I am acutely aware of the difficulties encountered by marginalized communities. Eliminating violence against women and girls matters to me because it is vital for creating a community where all individuals, irrespective of gender or background, can exist without fear of harm and discrimination.
Nejat Oumer (Ethiopia)
The issue of ending violence against women and girls is profoundly important because it is a fundamental human right to live free from fear and harm. My artwork symbolizes the strength and resilience of women and girls who have endured #GBV, representing the journey towards healing and empowerment.
Nelson Jackson (Tanzania)
I imagine a world free from gender-based violence where everyone lives free from fear, embraced in safety, respect, and equality. Together we can create such a future.
Rida Zahra (Pakistan)
Imagine a world where respect and equality are the foundation of every interaction.
Rita Kigbara (Nigeria)
We call for the need for collective and united action NOW, to end violence against women all over the world. The time is NOW, for a future that is free of violence against women and girls.
Saima Bhutto (Pakistan)
No more violence against women, stop honor killings in Sindh, stop child marriages, stop domestic violence against women, NOW!

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