Addis Ababa — Network of Ethiopian Women's Association (NEWA) announced that a 16-day activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) will be held from November 25 - December 10,2012 with the theme: "Peace for women from home to world".

Association Director Saba Gebre-Medhin told journalists yesterday that GBV will be condemned, good practices of associations that work on the area of GBV will be shared, progress made and drawbacks will be discussed.

According to Saba, NEWA has organized primary and secondary students, the university community, the police, members of the defence force, state associations, youth, male and children enabling them to participate in the movement against gender-based violence.

"Violence on women has become very brutal and shocking in our city. The types and forms of the attacks have changed over time. I urge the responsible legal body to forward the proper punishment on those who have committed gender-based violence. I also urge the society to be responsible for the violence that is being done on women and try to prevent it and create a peaceful environment for women".

Saba further indicated that the them was selected for the question of women being free of gender-based violence is a question of peace and prevention of attacks against women.

The 16-day activism against gender-based violence is an international campaign originating from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the centre for Women's Global Leadership in 1991. Over 2,000 organizations in approximately 154 countries have participated in the campaign since 1991.

There are six significant internationally celebrated days during the 16 day of activism against gender-based violence. International Day of White Ribbon Day on November 25, International Women Human Rights Defenders Day on November 29, World AIDS Day on December 1, Disability Day December 3, Survivals Day December 6 and International Human Rights Day on December 10.