At Somalia Ingenuity for Technical Excellence (SITE), we are proud to join the international campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed annually from November 25th to December 10th. This year’s theme, “#NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence Against Women,” calls for urgent action to eliminate violence while rejecting excuses rooted in culture, tradition, or socio-economic conditions.
Gender-based violence (GBV) affects millions of women and girls globally, undermining their rights, opportunities, and dignity.
At SITE, we see this campaign as an opportunity to amplify our efforts toward equity, safety, and justice for all, reflecting our mission to deliver innovative solutions for sustainable development.
#NoExcuse
The 16 Days of Activism campaign began in 1991, spearheaded by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It underscores the global fight against GBV and strategically aligns with significant international observances:
- November 25th: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
- December 3rd: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- December 10th: Human Rights Day
Since its inception, the campaign has grown into a global movement embraced by governments, organizations, and grassroots activists, each working to spotlight the pervasive impact of violence on individuals and communities.
The Global Impact of Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 1 in 3 women globally have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with most incidents occurring in intimate relationships.
Key Findings from Recent Reports:
- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that 245 million women aged 15 and older faced violence in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic alone.
- The World Bank highlights the significant economic costs of GBV, noting that violence against women can cost up to 3.7% of a country’s GDP—greater than many countries’ expenditures on education.
- In Somalia, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) identifies GBV as a major barrier to achieving gender equality, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and economic instability.
SITE’s Commitment to Ending GBV
As a leader in driving sustainable innovation, SITE recognizes that addressing GBV is essential for fostering equitable communities. This year, SITE has strengthened its focus on programs that align with the #NoExcuse campaign.
1. Promoting Survivor Support Through Technology
We are deploying digital tools to improve access to survivor resources, from secure reporting platforms to telehealth services for medical and psychological care.
2. Engaging Communities to Challenge Harmful Norms
SITE collaborates with community leaders and educators to dismantle stereotypes and practices that normalize violence. Our outreach campaigns encourage dialogues that challenge harmful traditions.
3. Advocating for Policy Reform
Through partnerships with government and civil society organizations, SITE supports policy reforms that ensure stronger protections for survivors and harsher penalties for perpetrators.
Why This Matters?
Gender-based violence not only violates human rights but also hinders global progress toward equity and justice. Every act of violence erodes the social and economic fabric of communities. Eliminating GBV is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality.
At SITE, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this cause. Through innovation, advocacy, and community engagement, we strive to create a future where women and girls can live free from violence.
