The IANSA 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign

The IANSA 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign is starting soon. In this light, the Organization for Victims of Violence (ODVV) as a non-governmental organization and member of The International Action Network on Small Arms (iansa), has also starts its awareness raising activities in Iran.

The International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) is a global movement against gun violence that links hundreds of organizations working to stop the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons. It has Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and is the official coordinator of civil society participation in UN meetings on small arms.

This year’s call for a “Ceasefire” builds on the appeal for a ceasefire in conflicts around the world made by the United Nation’s Secretary-General. It also provides an opportunity to focus on various areas where gender-based violence (GBV) occurs – in homes, in armed violence and in armed conflict where sexual violence is often used as a tactic of war. It also allows for a greater examination of the variety of contexts and ways in which guns are used to perpetrate or facilitate GBV.

GBV involves the use and abuse of power and control over another person and is perpetrated against someone based on their gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender. Violence against women and girls is one form of GBV. This useful toolkit by Graduate Women International explains what GBV is and outlines the links between gender-based violence and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

There are lots of ways to get involved in this year’s campaign. While COVID-19 has impacted all of us, there are still many activities that can be done. In this regard more than 16 ideas on ways to participate in the campaign has been introduced by IANSA and will be followed by its members including the ODVV.

For further information you can also visit the IANSA website. 

Photo