16 Days for Women’s Rights

Since 1991 around 164 countries and more that 3700 organizations have taken part in the campaign around the globe. The research, the activism, the gain in knowledge both by the general population and politicians formed by the 16 days, along with the lobbying of women’s and human rights activists have resulted in several countries creating new laws against the many forms of abuse of women (violence in relationships, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, rape, prostitution, etc.) that have had noticeable effects overall. These results are in danger everywhere (for example, using the economic crisis as an excuse to cut budgets or provide less effective services), so our 16 days of activism also serves as a reminder that action needs to be taken and improvements must be made, year after year. The questions were answered by Wirth Judit (1-3.) and Horváth Évi (4-7.) who represented the NANE Organization.

Which countries and organizations came up with the initiative originally, where does the title “16 days of activism” come from?

The 16 days were first held in November of 1991 with support from the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, operating in the US. The organizers of their seminars suggested November 25 as the initial day – this is the international day against violence against women – and the 10^th of December as the closing date – the international day of human rights, to symbolically connect violence against women with human rights, to accentuate that the former is a horrible violation of the latter.

This year’s theme is going to be prejudice against women and the stereotyping of women. How much of an influence do these have on the Hungarian job market? What (surprising) examples can be brought up to illustrate the problem?

The popular stereotypes of women – that we are dumb and irrational cleaning-cooking-childbearing machines, or sex-objects – of course also flourish in the job market. This causes difficulty actually attaining the position (how many men are asked in interviews whether they want to have children?); blights every day spent there (apart from lower wages, it is also a common experience among women that we are looked upon as coffee-making machines, or sexual objects; we’ve heard of paychecks being slipped into cleavages and male colleges demanding home baked goods); and basically makes progression impossible (yes, the glass ceiling still manages to hold). An absurd example of the dire reality is that even though there are more women with diplomas than men; only 4% of the academy is comprised of women.

According to the English site (http://16dayscwgl.rutgers.edu/), you are still looking for volunteers, and even an “action-pack” can be downloaded that can be used to start your own campaign. How does this work exactly?

Basically anyone can join the organization if they are interested in the issue and want to bring attention to violence against women. InHungarythe events are organized through different mail-lists, which can be joined by any event that has a connection to the issue in the country.

How is NANE preparing for this year’s 16 days of activism?

Just as in prior years, we are preparing for the events with the help of several organizations (for example the Patent Club and the Stop-male violence Project). The program is varied and continues to grow; there will be screenings, talks, presentation, and workshops. This year’s roundtable discussion looks to be very exciting, as it will inquire about the role of the church in preventing and treating domestic abuse. The discussion will feature Reformed, Buddhist, Evangelical, Jesuit and Jewish representatives.

What does the rally offer for those who have been victims of abuse?

During the series of events, those affected by it can meet the professionals and activists of organizations that study the issue, can collect disseminated information packets, pamphlets, can listen to talks and presentations relevant to the issue, and can also meet civilians interested in the problem. The 16 days of activism doesn’t only inform, it is also a platform to promote discussion on a professional and personal level.

Related

• 17th Coca-Cola Women’s Run 20 May 2012, Sunday
• Exclusive Women’s Day concert 10 March 2012, Saturday 22:00
• Women’s Fancy 28 February 2012, Tuesday
• Defining Women in Videogames 27 February 2012, Monday
• What Women Write 27 February 2012, Monday