Amplifying Voices and Driving Change: USAID Lowlands Health Activity Marks 16 Days of Activism Against GBV

*Participants join the 16 Days campaign. Photo credit: EngenderHealth / Lowlands Health Activity (LHA).*

From November 25 to December 10, 2024, the USAID Lowlands Health Activity (LHA)/EngenderHealth partnered with Ministry of Health (MOH), Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs), the Women and Social Affairs Bureau, and various sector organizations to observe the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in its implementation sites with the theme, “Towards Beijing: UNiTe to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” The campaign, held across the Somali, Afar, Oromia (Borena Zone), and South Ethiopia (South Omo Zone) regions, nationally spotlighted GBV survivors’ stories and mobilized communities to take actions. Through impactful initiatives, USAID and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to creating a world free of violence and discrimination.

*Participants at a national 16th Days of Activism event in Jigjiga, Somali Region. Photo credit: EngenderHealth / Lowlands Health Activity (LHA).*

A Multifaceted Approach to Advocacy

The campaign employed diverse strategies to engage stakeholders and elevate the conversation around GBV. Community mobilization efforts included street campaigns, school events, and local gatherings, reaching 352 participants, 178 of whom were women. High-level engagement from officials of the MOH specifically celebrated nationally in Jigjiga Somali Region, RHBs, and USAID emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration to end GBV. Creative storytelling, such as an expressive short drama in Borena Zone, sparked meaningful dialogue on GBV prevention, while Somali children and youth inspired their peers with messages envisioning a violence-free future.

*Aba Geda, leaders joining the campaign, in Yabello, Borena Zone, one of the LHA sites. Photo credit: EngenderHealth / Lowlands Health Activity (LHA).*

Additionally, site visits to one-stop centers in Afar and Somali regions provided insights into service gaps and areas for improvement. The visits conducted to the one-stop center at Dubti Hospital in Afar region and Karamra Hospital in the Somali region helped the participants to identify service offerings and assess existing gaps. As part of the LHA’s initiative, enhancing these one-stop centers is crucial to strengthening the responses to and prevention of gender-based violence (GBV).

Male Allies Lead the Charge

*LHA Male staff joining the GBV campaign in Samara, Afar Region. Photo credit: EngenderHealth / Lowlands Health Activity (LHA).*

A significant highlight of this year’s campaign was the active participation of men, who comprised nearly half of the attendees in various activities. Their involvement underscored the critical role of male allies in challenging harmful norms and advocating for gender equality. By engaging men as partners in the fight against GBV, the campaign set a powerful example of inclusive advocacy.

Insights from the USAID GBV Learning and Action Forum

*Dr Luwam Teshome, LHA DCOP, delivering a message during the national 16 Days of Activism event in Jigjiga, Somali Region. Photo credit: EngenderHealth / Lowlands Health Activity (LHA).*

Complementing the national and regional activities, the LHA team participated in the USAID Learning and Action Forum on GBV Prevention and Response. This platform facilitated knowledge exchange and collaboration among key stakeholders. Discussions highlighted barriers to service access, particularly for women and marginalized groups in conflict-affected areas. Panels featuring experts from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Child and Women Affairs, and youth leaders addressed institutional gaps, while participants explored innovative approaches such as ethnographic studies and male engagement to shift harmful norms.

Charting Pathways for the Future

*During the national event celebrations, school students displayed different messages concerning GBV for the participants in Jigjiga, Somali Region, one of LHA’s sites.* *Photo credit: EngenderHealth / Lowlands Health Activity (LHA).*

The campaign and forum culminated in actionable recommendations to sustain momentum and drive meaningful change. These included decentralizing celebrations to the woreda level for broader community ownership, addressing service gaps at one-stop centers, involving youth and marginalized groups in campaign planning, and advocating for comprehensive GBV laws and family code reforms in Somali and Afar regions. A call for sustained year-round awareness campaigns was also emphasized to ensure continued advocacy and education.

Building Momentum for Change

*Government Officials during the GBV OSC Visit, Dubti General Hospital, Afar. Photo credit: EngenderHealth / Lowlands Health Activity (LHA).*

The 16 Days of Activism campaign demonstrated the power of collective action and shared responsibility in addressing GBV. By amplifying survivor voices and fostering a culture of accountability, EngenderHealth, USAID and its partners laid a strong foundation for lasting change. Through ongoing collaboration and a commitment to inclusive approaches, the campaign paves the way for a safer, more equitable society.

A Unified Call to Action

As the fight against GBV continues, the 16 Days campaign serves as a reminder of the work ahead and the progress already made. By engaging communities, supporting survivors, and challenging harmful norms, stakeholders can ensure that no one is left behind. Together, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of gender or circumstance, can live free from violence.

Published: December 19, 2024