DUSHANBE, November 25, 2014, Asia-Plus -- The International Day to End Violence against Women, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence  campaign  was given a start in Tajikistan on November 25.  This year, the celebrations, led by the UNiTE campaign for the period of November 25 – December 10, takes place under the theme “Orange Your Neighborhood  -  End Violence against Women and Girls Now.”

UN Woman Tajikistan notes that the campaign focuses  on local actions towards ending violence against women and girls, while including advocacy efforts on all policy levels.  UN Agencies, international and local civil society organizations in Tajikistan have joined efforts for the  mutual  cause to stop  violence against women and girls  and raise awareness about this gross human rights  violation  and a pressing global issue.  Participating agencies including ADB, HELVETAS, IOM, ILO, OHCHR, OSCE, PDV, Swiss Confederation,  DFID (UKAid), USAID, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF,  FAO,  UNFPA, UN Women, UNWFP,  UNV, WHO, National Federation of Taekwon-do and Kickboxing  and the Government of  Tajikistan take  forward the principle of ‘acting as one’ to achieve maximum awareness raising and  impact through the joint efforts.  This time is a call for action, with a strong focus on visuals, imagination, learning and education both for caring organizations as well as the government, private sector and the men and women all over Tajikistan.

The  global  campaign kicked off  with parallel events in  the capital of  Dushanbe  as well as in the regions and districts of the country. To mark the International Day to End Violence against Women a  Gala concert with the participation of young Tajik performers takes  place  in Dushanbe on the 25 November.  The campaign started simultaneously in the Shahritous district (Khatlon province) with a theater performance.

Targeting  vulnerable groups, such as young girls, women, children, refugees, the  campaign will continue with advocacy meetings/discussions among men, seminars, concerts, sport activities, roundtable discussions organized by various UN agencies and international organizations, supported by the local civil society in Qurghon Teppa, Jilikul, Qubodiyon, Shouroobod, Khuroson, Qumsangir, Rumi, Gharm, Tavildara, Kulob, etc.  In a direct support to the vulnerable local groups, free legal and psychological consultations on  domestic violence  issues  will be provided  in Ghonchi, Shahriston, Istaravshan and Panjakent.  Radio marathons will be held on the issues of labor migration and  domestic violence.  Social marketing videos on response to violence against women (“Men engage”) as well as documentary on labor migration and its influence on women and families will be demonstrated to the mass during the campaign.  The end of the campaign coincides with the Human Rights Day, December 10, when participating agencies  will join events devoted to culmination of the campaign.

Attracting  all parts of the community is the major goal of the  organizers  considering this years’ topic of engaging the community and  individuals, and taking the UNiTE campaign more close to the “locals.”  Also, involving more children and youth in participation for future growth of young advocates for gender equality is of the common goals of participating organizations this year.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign, which takes place each year, and runs from November 25, (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), to  December 10 (Human Rights Day).  The ‘16 Days  Campaign’ is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and groups around the world to call for the elimination of violence against women and girls.  This year, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence occur at a critical juncture for efforts to end violence against women and girls  as the world gears up to mark the 20th anniversary of the  Beijing Platform for Action, the Millennium Development Goals reach their deadline,  and a new global development agenda takes shape.  This year is as well special with a start of  HeForShe  solidarity movement for gender equality that brings together one half of humanity in support of the other half of humanity, for the benefit of all.