Take out your diary and jot these dates down: 25th November - 10th December. Set your digital calendar to remind you of them every year, because this is the period when you can definitely do something proactive about the violence women face. It's the 16 days global campaign of activism against gender based violence, and Malaysia is very much part of this international action.

These dates are chosen because they span several significant events. 25th November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which remembers the day three women were killed for their activism in upholding justice and democracy. They were Patria, Minerva, Maria Teresa and Dede Mirabal; courageous and unyielding in their struggle towards a more equitable society in the Dominican Republic. World AIDS Day, which falls tomorrow on 1st December, marks the global efforts in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This is important for women because they face additional vulnerabilities to the disease due to gender-based violence such as rape, and are physiologically three to eight times more likely than a man to be infected with HIV through unsafe sexual intercourse. The Montreal Massacre occurred on 6th December 1989, where a man - Marc Lepine - had so much hatred for women and feminists that he shot dead 14 female students at the Montreal University before killing himself. Finally, 10th December is the Human Rights Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It may appear a little odd to be campaigning on a local level based on events that seem so far away from us geographically and historically. But the links can be easily made. They all have to do with violence against women and the need to recognise the protection of women's human rights to eliminate such violence. Although the individual tragic killings have passed, millions of women all over the world - including us here in Malaysia - face the threat of, or are experiencing violence in our lives.

Gender-based violence is violence that is aimed at women because women are predominantly placed in a subjugated position compared to men in society, making us more susceptible to abuse. A social order that places men in a superior position in terms of cultural signs, law and decision making in the homes or in public structure allows women to be treated as second rate objects or property. This justifies the abuse directed at women, and helps to explain why women are principally the targets of rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking etc. It also creates a milieu that does not recognise women as human beings with rights - including the right to live with dignity, free from torture and harm - that deserve protection.

Such a social structure is known as patriarchy. This term makes men uncomfortable because it seems to point the finger at men to take the blame. But we are all responsible for perpetuating this unequal power relation. When we continue to expect women to do work that is not valued, assess women primarily on a superficial level, think women are less capable or weaker and laugh at demeaning sexist remarks or jokes, we help violent men get away with beating their partners, sexually violate, trade in and kill women and girls.

Every single society to the best of our knowledge is patriarchal, which is why gender-based violence is a global phenomenon. If you open the papers in any community or country, there will inevitably be a report on rape and an advertisement that objectifies women as pretty things, with nothing much else than to help with sales. Women's legitimate space seems to still be confined within the home despite progress that has been made in access to education and employment. Coupled with the fact that most violence happens in the private space of homes, it can be a very isolating experience for the survivors. It is important to let them know they are not nameless, alone or forgotten.

This year we have experienced terrible tragedies including the loss of Canny Ong. If you have felt outraged, fearful, angry or frustrated, then take responsibility and take action. Make the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence your campaign. There are a variety of events organised by various organisations that you can participate in, and series of articles in the papers that you can read and educate yourself about this issue. Don't continue to be complicit in the violence faced by countless women in your neighbourhood, your city, your country and the world, by doing nothing.

Jaclyn Kee
30th November 2003

Fortnightly Column by WAO on Sunday Mail (Reprinted with permission from Sunday Mail)

Related Articles:

• Take Action! 16 Days Activism Against Gender Violence - WAO Campaign 2003
• Center for Women's Global Leadership - 16 Days Campaign Website
• Introduction to 16 Days Global Campaign Against Gender Violence
• 16 Days Activism Against Gender Violence - WAO Campaign 2002
• 16 Days Activism Against Gender Violence - WAO Campaign 2001