The Asia Pacific YMCA participated in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Last Updated (Wednesday, 18 December 2024 17:26)

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an annual international campaign starting on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concluding on December 10, Human Rights Day. This campaign serves as a strategy for individuals and organizations worldwide to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls because violence against women and girls continues to occur at an alarming rate throughout the world.

The Asia Pacific YMCAs (APAY) actively participated in this campaign alongside other civil society organizations (CSOs) and faith-based groups. The Gender Equity Committee (GEC) organized a series of activities and invited all YMCAs in the Asia Pacific region to join the global campaign "Creating Safe Spaces: Ending Gender-Based Violence"

There were three main webinars on November 25, December 3, and December 9, each focusing on different aspects of the campaign:

●      November 25: The significance of the 16 Days of Activism in creating safe spaces and ending gender-based violence, coordinated by the GEC

●      December 3: An interfaith approach to ending gender-based violence, hosted by the NCY of Bangladesh.

●      December 9: Addressing the vulnerabilities of women migrant workers to gender-based violence, hosted by the ICF.

Additionally, various local and national YMCAs responded to the GEC's call and initiated activities as part of the campaign. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of the APAY and its partners to creating safe spaces and working towards the elimination of gender-based violence.

The GEC kicked off the 16 Days of Activism on November 25 with a launching event webinar at 4 PM HKT. This year the 16 days of activism launch event was also joined by the 40th Advanced Studies program (ASP) participants of Asia Pacific YMCA, connected from Penang, Malaysia, where they had gathered for the 40th ASP.

Ms. Dhiya Ann Mathew, General Secretary of YWCA India, was one of the distinguished speakers at the recent webinar. She delivered an extensive and compelling presentation on the importance of "Creating Safe Spaces to End Gender-Based Violence." Ms. Dhiya highlighted the alarming realities of violence against women, providing detailed statistics and case studies to illustrate the severity of the issue both in India and globally. Her insights underscored the pervasive nature of gender-based violence, emphasizing how deeply entrenched societal norms and gender discrimination contribute to this crisis. Ms. Dhiya's passionate discourse called for a multi-faceted approach to creating safe environments, including community education, legislative reforms, and enhanced support systems for survivors. Her evidence-based analysis and personal anecdotes brought to light the urgent need for collective action and the critical role that organizations like YWCA , YMCA play in fostering gender justice and equality.

Ms. Czieloh Villanjin, a member of the Gender Equity Committee of the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) and Chair of the Youth Committee in the National Council of YMCA (NCY) of the Philippines, spoke about the ongoing challenges of gender equality on a global, Asian, and Philippine context. She highlighted that, despite progress, women and girls still face systemic barriers and discrimination, with gender-based violence being a persistent issue. Efforts to promote gender equality include legislative reforms, advocacy campaigns, and international agreements like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seek to empower all women and girls by 2030. Achieving true gender equality will require continuous commitment, comprehensive policies, and cultural changes to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals.

Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes, Chair of the Gender Equity Committee and the President of the NCY of Bangladesh welcomed the members and shared her opening remarks. She expressed her gratitude to the members for having joined  the webinar a pivotal event marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. She affirmed,  that their presence reflects the shared commitment to ending violence and fostering a world where all individuals can live free from fear and discrimination. Over the next few days, she said, we will engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and learn from one another, united by our goal to create safe spaces and promote gender justice.

Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) welcomed the participants and  affirmed that the APAY's initiatives for gender justice through the Gender Equity Committee are commendable. A dedicated structure for gender justice is vital for addressing the diverse challenges faced by women and marginalized groups in Asia and the Pacific. This framework enables APAY to develop targeted strategies that promote gender equity, prevent gender-based violence, and empower women and girls within YMCA communities. Prioritizing gender justice within APAY’s mission fosters an environment where all individuals can thrive. By focusing on these goals, APAY can effectively mobilize resources and engage in meaningful advocacy, driving impactful change across the region.

Ms. Sunita Suna, Executive Secretary for Program of the APAY,  proficiently moderated the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence event. She briefly introduced the background of the 16 days of activism and engaged participants in discussion, ensuring that each speaker's contributions were highlighted effectively. Her thoughtful moderation fostered a collaborative atmosphere, allowing for meaningful exchanges and a shared sense of purpose in addressing gender-based violence. The event set a powerful tone for the campaign, emphasizing the critical importance of creating safe spaces and advancing gender equity.