16th Days Of
Activism 2023
Campaigns
An International Campaign
The Commission actively participates in the annual international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, conducted nationally. This campaign commences on November 25th, recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on December 10th, observed as the International Human Rights Day. It serves as a call to action to prevent and eliminate violence targeting women and girls.
Throughout this campaign, the Commission extends invitations to government stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and community groups, among others, to collaborate in raising awareness about gender-based violence and domestic abuse through joint initiatives and activities. In the year 2023, the Commission’s selected theme for the 16 Days of Activism campaign was ‘Beat The Silence/ Negħlbu Is-Silenzju’.
Some of activities held during 16th Days Of Activism 2023
The Commission launched Malta’s Third National Strategy on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence (2023-2028): ‘UNITE. ENGAGE. ELEVATE’.
The Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, convened the “Beat the Silence” conference on December 4th, 2023. This gathering united Honorary Consuls and Ambassadors from diverse nations for an insightful discourse on available support services tailored to individuals within migrant and expatriate communities affected by violence.
A sports campaign was launched with the aim of raising awareness among supporters of various sports to join the fight against gender-based violence and domestic violence. Throughout various matches, both male and female teams promoted this year’s 16th days of activism campaign with a ‘Beat the Silence’ banner.
The lights of Castille, the Triton Fountain, and the Malta National Park were illuminated over the weekend of November 24th, 2023 by orange, as part of an initiative to raise awareness for the 16th Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Orange is the official colour for gender-based violence. The purpose was to encourage individuals experiencing violence to seek professional assistance and to advocate for the prevention of abuse.
The Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence organized informative sessions specifically tailored to elderly individuals, addressing the pervasive issues of domestic abuse and gender-based violence. These talks encompassed a broad discussion on the nature and prevalence of abuse, emphasizing that it can occur within any relationship and that abuse is abuse, regardless of the perpetrator’s relationship to the victim.
An insightful information session was delivered to employees at the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, delving into crucial themes surrounding abuse and domestic violence. The session comprehensively covered various forms of abuse, highlighting the importance of recognizing not only physical but also psychological and emotional abuse.
