Campaign against gender-based violence

TAMBUNAN: Good Shepherd Services (GSS) kicked off its ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence’ campaign with a booklet launch, followed up by a fun run at Kampung Tombotuon, here, on Sunday.

This international campaign is celebrated annually from Nov 25 to Dec 10. Its theme for this year is ‘Orange the World: #HearMeToo’.

GSS executive director Chin Poh Choo said the campaign was important because it highlighted the importance of gender equality and the elimination of violence towards women and children, in line with GSS’ vision and mission.

“It is a campaign that GSS leverages as part of its continued advocacy to raise awareness and call for act against such violence, be it as individuals or collectively.

“The colour orange was used because it symbolises a bright and optimistic future, free from violence towards women and children,” she added.

Chin said for this year’s campaign, GSS focused on raising awareness on the plight and empowerment of the girl-child.

“We take the position that every girl-child is born with dignity and inherent rights that entitle her to a childhood and opportunities to realise her potential as a person. We also uphold the belief that when girls are valued, they can impact and contribute positive changes to their environment,” she said.

The booklet, launched during the event, featured 16 articles -- one for each of the 16 days of activism promoted through this campaign.

The stories in the booklet speak of transgressions, trauma and conflicts related to the various forms of sexual gender-based violence experienced by the girl-child.

According to Chin, for survivors who shared their stories, it had been a journey of discovering and healing, as well as reclaiming self.

“It is our hope that this booklet will be able to help many child sexual abuse survivors to make better sense of their lives.

“It is a useful resource that can be utilised in promoting awareness on the various forms of sexual-gender based violence against the girl-child,” she said.

More than 300 people participated in the 6km fun run that followed the booklet launch.

Also present at the event were Tambunan Assistant District Officer Herry Awit, District Chief OKK Philip Datuk Kitingan and organising chairman Adun Mantigi.