South Africa Begins its Annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign

South Africa's 16 Days of Activism Campaign begins today. Part of a global campaign established back in 1991 and that South Africa took part in fir the first time seven years later, the annual campaign aims to raise awareness around gender-based violence and femicide in the country—both of which have been on an alarming rise this year. Several protests have taken place in the country in the past few months as women have demanded that government come up with concrete plans to prevent the abduction, rape and murder of numerous young women daily.

While the South African government pledged 1.1 billion Rand towards the fight against gender-based violence and femicide back in September, as well as a five-point plan on bettering a justice system that continues to fail women, very little has actually materialized since then. President Cyril Ramaphosa has already officially kicked off the campaign's launch in Limpopo province.

The South African police on the other hand, has recently asked South Africans for their help in solving cases of domestic violence. According to EWN, Major-General Bafana Linda, the head of the police's family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit said that, "We win and solve cases through partnership. We need information from the community. The lack of information delays solving cases. Hence, we humbly request our communities to come forth."

This year's theme centers on standing against rape. While the campaign has kicked off all over the world, with many in support, there are of course those who feel that it is problematic and does very little in the grand scheme of things.