Gaza – November 2021
The Women’s Affairs Center (WAC) in Gaza launched the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, in collaboration with women’s and human rights organizations, as well as media and legal professionals. The campaign coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marked annually on November 25.
In her opening speech, Amal Syam, WAC Director, emphasized the urgent need to unite efforts to end all forms of violence against women and girls. She stated:
“We want women and girls to be safe at home, in the street, at work, online, and in society as a whole. Let us unite to end violence against women. Yes to passing the Family Protection Law, no to violence, no to exploiting disability, and no justification for violence.”
Syam highlighted that the day, designated by the UN General Assembly, is an important opportunity for governments and organizations worldwide to organize activities that raise awareness and reject gender-based violence.
She further stressed that women’s rights, equality, and dignity are integral to human rights, noting that violence against women is a clear violation of international conventions, particularly the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and relevant UN resolutions, including Resolution 1325.
Syam also called on women’s and human rights organizations to intensify their collective work to eliminate violence, provide multi-sectoral services to survivors of gender-based violence – including women with disabilities – and foster a culture of dialogue, non-violence, and youth and male engagement in combating violence.
She concluded by urging for the swift adoption of the Family Protection Law, and emphasized the need to ensure protection for Palestinian women prisoners and detainees, framing it as part of the broader struggle for justice and women’s rights.
