"UNiTE: 16 Days of Activism Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals – “Investing to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls"

The United Nations, in collaboration with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), organized a Sustainable Development Goals Bootcamp to mark the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Masimba Tafirenyika, the Director of UNIC, extended a warm welcome to our guests and recognized the achievements attained during the successful execution of the second phase of the boot camp SDG implementation. "We encourage all TUT students to submit proposals that involve our communities in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals," added Mr. Tafirenyika.

For the year 2023, the UNiTE campaign is centred on "Investing to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls." It accentuates the significance of financing diverse prevention strategies to halt violence before it occurs. This theme aligns with the 2024 priority theme of the Commission on the Status of Women, focusing on hastening gender equality and empowering women and girls by addressing poverty, fortifying institutions, and integrating gender perspectives into financing.

We must recognize that our nation's stock and capital extend far beyond financial measures. Our greatest assets are the aspirations and capabilities of our young people. They hold the key to our collective future. Youth remain our greatest assets as we pursue the Sustainable Development Goals.

"It's imperative that we understand where our youth stand. Let us empower our young people and provide platforms and support for their active involvement to become not just leaders of tomorrow, but change-makers today. Together, let's build a world where their voices shape our future," Dr. Kefiloe Masiteng - Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office.

Inquiring about their commitment to specific UN Sustainable Development Goals, students passionately voiced concerns about pivotal community issues. These encompassed pressing matters like water and sanitation shortages, advocating for gender equality, embracing diversity, safeguarding the environment, and spearheading initiatives for disaster prevention and mitigation.

The SDG boot camp featured a panel discussion on combating violence against women and girls within the context of sustainable development. Key points included understanding a human rights-based approach to this issue within the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the discussion emphasized the active role of universities and student bodies in policy advocacy to protect women and girls from violence. Education was highlighted as a crucial tool in preventing such violence, with suggestions on integrating it into university curricula and fostering inclusive campus cultures. Additionally, the panel explored the significance of education and awareness campaigns in challenging harmful stereotypes contributing to gender-based violence in both university settings and society at large.

In alignment with this civil society movement, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, spearheads the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women initiative (UNiTE). This global effort, initiated in 2008, aims to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls on a global scale. UNiTE calls upon governments, development entities, civil society, women’s groups, youth, private enterprises, media, and the entire UN system to collaborate in combating violence against women and girls.