16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

Every day we learn more about the global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  As we begin the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), we are reminded that gender based violence has not taken a pause and that we are seeing an alarming increase of violence faced by women, girls, and non-binary people. They are at a higher risk of experiencing household violence during times of crisis and the widespread job losses, economic and food insecurity, school closures, isolation, and stress related to the virus itself, are exacerbating violence around the world. Services for survivors are reporting a 30 to 60 percent increase in calls and police reports filed. This is concerning as we know even before the pandemic, 1 in 3 women experienced violence in their lifetime. 

Despite the many obstacles, Cuso’s partners have risen to the challenge ensuring services remain available and accessible. With the support of Fast Responsive Strategic Funds, our feminist partners in Peru have been able to provide safe shelters and adapt their services to prevent COVID-19 while responding to the increased needs of survivors. In Benin, our Women for Human Dignity project found ways to continue its community intervention against gender based violence and safely prevent the phenomenon from going further underground.  

The 16 Days of Activism this year asks us to Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect. We are reminded of the importance of continued funding for these necessary services to respond and prevent gender based violence at home and around the world. Let’s reflect, learn and act on gender based violence. 

Read further on how Cuso is contributing to this work in Peru and Benin.