DECEMBER 10 — Today, December 10th, marks the International Human Rights Day. Each year, this day is observed by the international community to commemorate the date in 1948 in which the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which set the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations around the globe.

December 10th also marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

The 16 Days of Activism begins every year on November 25th (International Day Against Violence Against Women) and ends on December 10th (International Human Rights Day) to highlight the significance that violence against women is a human rights issue, and make the link that women’s rights are human rights.

In Malaysia, 4123 cases of domestic violence and 2,767 cases of rape were reported in 2013 alone. In AWAM’s experience, taking unreported cases into account, the number is exponentially higher.

In conjunction with the 16 Days, AWAM launched an exhibition booth in Tropicana City Mall from November 25th to December 10th. The booth provided information to the public on gender based violence as well as the movement against it. Approximately 350 members of the public visited the exhibition booth and interacted with our staff and volunteers to learn more about the cause.

Furthermore, two public talks related to the issue of Gender Based Violence were held at the AWAM Centre on November 27th and 28th titled “Sexual Harassment: Can It Affect You?” and “Violence Against Women: Can Men Play A Role To Stop Violence?”

Finally, on December 7th, AWAM’s held its annual White Ribbon Campaign Run and Walk event at Padang Merbok. The event was a huge success and approximately 2500 members of the public participated in the event. The White Ribbon Campaign seeks to change attitudes and behaviours that lead to and perpetuate violence against women by engaging boys and men to lead social change.

AWAM would like to thank the public for their support and engagement in our events ove the past 16 days. From the response we received it is clear that people are concerned about and are aware of the issue of violence against women in the community.

AWAM will continue to actively engage the public to emphasise the fact that women’s rights are human rights, and we all collectively need to work together to bring about equality, justice and rights for women.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.