GBV Forum on Sunday

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women falls tomorrow and the 16 days of activism against gender based violence will take place from tomorrow to December 10. The Gender Based Violence Forum (GBV Forum) commemorates the event under the theme of ‘Engaging men to end violence against women’.

The GBV Forum will launch a media campaign where 16 men will speak against violence against women.

The campaign will focus on the sub theme ‘Men too can make a difference. Say no to violence against women. Well-known personalities like Jayantha Dhanapala, cricketers Kumar Sangakkara and Jehan Mubarak, Bhathia and Santush and Roshan Ranawana will contribute to the campaign.

During the 16 days of activists against gender based violence countrywide programmes focusing on gender based violence, women’s rights and human rights will take place.

The White Ribbon Campaign, which is the largest effort in the world of men’s activism to end violence against women, also takes place during this time.

This year too Sri Lankans will join this worldwide campaign by wearing a white ribbon which is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. Sri Lanka has made progress on various fronts, particularly in the legal domain, in an attempt to end violence against women.

The adaptation on the Women’s Charter, the amendments to the Penal Code in 1995, Domestic Violence Act in 2005 are examples for the Sri Lanka’s practical efforts in the legal domain to eradicate violence against women.

In Sri Lanka the most prevalent types of violence against women are rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, forced prostitution and trafficking.

These crimes are not particular to a certain region or locality but are widespread and cut across class, race, religion, ethnicity and all.

The GBV Forum comprises different agencies from various sectors working together to end gender based violence. This is the third consecutive year that the GBV Forum is commemorating the event.