Self-defence, organisation and struggle to 25 November (20)

2024-11-20 09:20:18


	 

	 

	‘16 days against gender-based violence’

	 

	Melek Avcı

	 

	ANKARA - Anna-Béatrice Schmaltz, who works for the feminist peace organisation Frida, said they carry out a 16-day ‘violence prevention campaign’ every year from November 25 to December 10, adding, “Progress can only be achieved through social movements. It is important that this century is the feminist century.”

	 

	As we are heading towards 25 November, a day left to us from the struggle of the Mirabal sisters, the masculine mentality, which cannot survive in the face of strong women's organisations, is increasing its attacks. 

	 

	While voices are raised against violence and massacres against women all over the world, on the other hand, forms of violence and attacks are renewed according to the structure and conjuncture of the countries and put in front of women. The struggle cannot be weakened and a universal women's struggle is being organised at full speed.

	 

	Anna-Béatrice Schmaltz from the feminist peace organisation Frieda, which leads the largest ‘prevention campaign’ against gender-based violence organised by civil society in Switzerland, describes both the forms of attack by the male state and their struggle against it.

	 

	At least one form of gender-based violence

	 

	Stating that gender-based violence has become a part of everyday life in Switzerland, Anna Béatrice said that this violence has reached the point of massacres of women. Anna, said, “Gender-based violence is part of everyday life in Switzerland. It ranges from harassment, stalking, domestic violence and catcalling to femicides. In 2024, 18 femicides were committed in Switzerland. According to a study, at least every second woman has been affected by some form of sexualised violence. Awareness of gender-specific violence has increased. Nevertheless, violence is still widespread. There is still a lot to be done in Switzerland, particularly with regard to sexism, patriarchal role models and stereotypes. There is still too little awareness of forms of violence such as psychological violence.”

	 

	‘Progress made with the Istanbul Convention'

	 

	Stating that some progress has been made with the Istanbul Convention, which has been in force in Switzerland since 2018, Anna said that practices have also been implemented in this context. Anna said, “The Istanbul Convention has been in force in Switzerland since 2018. Thanks to this convention, some progress has been made. For example, awareness of the issue has increased, a national telephone number that is available 24 hours a day with counselling services for victims of violence is to be set up next year and prevention efforts are also to be stepped up. However, various measures are still lacking. For example, there would need to be 10 times more places in women's shelters and more money and resources for victim counselling centres. Unfortunately, there is not yet enough political will.”

	 

	‘No means no’ in law

	 

	Stating that there are also transformations in their own laws, Anna made the following statements: “The revision of the Sexual Offences Act has been in force since July 2024. Now, finally, the law also states that no means no. An extremely large number of organisations and activists have been fighting for this for years. Society has become more aware of the issue of gender-based violence. Patriarchal ideas and narrow role models are nevertheless widespread. These are the breeding ground for gender-based violence. Many NGOs and activist groups have been fighting gender-based violence for decades.  I would like to mention the ‘16 days against gender-based violence’ in particular. 

	 

	‘Prevention campaign’ from 25 November to 10 December

	 

	We are a prevention campaign that takes place every year from 25 November to 10 December. The project contributes to the reduction of all forms of gender-based violence in Switzerland through prevention and awareness-raising. The campaign provides information on  support and counselling services and mobilises many people to take an active stand against violence. Low-threshold events, workshops and cultural programmes will be developed and offered. Gender-based violence is too often trivialised and tabooed in Switzerland. With its wide range of events, the campaign contributes to taking a closer look at gender-based violence and fighting it. Every year, over 200 organisations throughout Switzerland take part in events and activities during the ‘16 days against gender-based violence.”

	 

	‘Universal struggle for a society free from violence’

	 

	Referring to the slogan ‘Jin jiyan azadî’ heard all over the world, Anna said that they also carry out joint activities with the Kurdish Women's Movement. Anna, " The Sloang shows that the prevention of gender-based violence is closely linked to a fight for gender equality. It is important that we realise that we can only prevent gender-based violence in the long term if we achieve more gender equality. It is also powerful that we fight together worldwide for a violence-free society. There is also a Kurdish movement in Switzerland. We work together with all associations, organisations and collectives that fight against gender-based violence. We also work with the Kurdish movement on specific occasions, e.g. at demonstrations.”

	 

	Progress can only be achieved through social action

	 

	Emphasising the importance of universal struggle, Anna said: “The commitment to gender equality and a non-violent society is fundamental. Progress can only be made through social movements. We all need to work together for a feminist future. It is important that it becomes the feminist century. There is still a lot to be done so that all people can live without violence and discrimination. The ‘16 days against gender-based violence’ start on 25 November. We have planned a large national demonstration on 23 November and will also be fighting loudly for a non-violent society on 25 November.