WAO and The Bodyshop continues collaboration on the issue of Violence Against Women. This year, we are broadening the scope and bringing in new partners to work hand-in-hand on 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence from 25 November to 10 December 2004. The dates are chosen to link the International Day Against Violence Against Women (25 November) and International Human Rights Day (10 December), with World AIDS Day in between (1 December).

Two other non-governmental organisations, Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and Sisters in Islam (SIS), joins us in this campaign. We are bringing the campaign beyond the Klang Valley to Penang, Johor and Kelantan. Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (PUTRA line) continues its support by turning its LRT stations into public educational centres during the campaign.

Theme
'SPEAK OUT' is the theme of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence 2004.

Too many lives have been shattered by acts of violence. Now that we have the avenues and knowledge to put a stop to it, we will strive to help those in need to learn to speak out.

Let it be heard. We have the right to be safe. Violence towards another person is a violation of human rights.

Launch
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence 2004 launched on 22 November 2004 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, following The Body Shop's "A Force for Change" Forum. The keynote speaker at the Forum was Dame Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, human rights activist, environmentalist and animal rights crusader.

In-Store Activities
Starting on 22 November 2004, you can drop by any of The Body Shop stores in Peninsula Malaysia to show your support and join us in our efforts to speak out against gender violence and make a difference for yourself or someone you care for.

In the store, you can:
o Pick up a brochure with important information to help stop violence against women
o Donate to non-governmental organisations or purchase fundraising items available in-store
o Speak Out against gender violence by making a lip print or daisy stamp on our campaign postcards

Here are 16 examples of do-able acts of activism. Pick any one you're most comfortable with to start:

• I will tell someone about HIV/AIDS
• I will donate to a charity at least once a year
• I will purchase a fund raising item at The Body Shop
• I will persuade my friend to leave her abusive boyfriend
• I will share food with a needy person
• I will bring my own bag when I go shopping
• I will practise safer sex by using condoms
• I will volunteer at the WAO shelter
• I will escort a friend to the police station
• I will speak out against racist remarks
• I will still be friends with someone living with HIV/AIDS
• I will help my wife do housework
• I will walk instead of drive if my destination is close
• I will speak out against sexist jokes
• I will teach my son to help around the house
• I will teach my daughter to stand up for herself

Out-of-store Activities
The Body Shop, WAO, MAC and SIS will speak out at PUTRA Line LRT stations on 25 and 26 November and 1 and 2 December 2004. Leave or park your car and take the environmental friendlier PUTRA Line to support the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

In addition, The Body Shop, WAO, MAC and SIS are reaching out beyond Klang Valley and going around Peninsula Malaysia to educate and empower everyone. We will be handing out informational and educational leaflets, imprinting lip prints, putting on performances and sharing experiences of survivors during our "Speak Out" sessions. Join us at:

28 November 2004 (Sunday) - Gurney Plaza, Penang
4 December 2004 (Saturday) - Jusco Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru, Johor
10 December 2004 (Saturday) - Kora Baru Mall, Kelantan

SPEAK OUT! 'Cause you have the right to.