The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is underway around the world. Running from November 25th - December 10th, the campaign highlights the appalling high rates of gender violence and urges everyone to act to stop the abuse of women and girls.

Every year, OSISA's partners across southern Africa stage events to mark the 16 Days and use the period as an opportunity to make a difference - through events, marches, protests and other forms of awareness raising and advocacy.

In 2012, organisations that OSISA works closely with from Angola Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DC), Malawi and Zimbabwe are staging a variety of events.

For example, the Girls Empowerment Network of Malawi is organising community based shows and a workshop for adolescent girls on sexual and reproductive rights, while the Female Students Network in Zimbabwe is conducting workshops for young women and planning a peace march. Meanwhile the Mwenho Network of Women in Action in Angola will host a solidarity fair.

The attached document outlines some of the numerous events that have been organised - all of which will play their part in raising awareness and helping to counter the unacceptably high rates of gender violence in southern Africa.