Our commitment to end Gender Based Violence
On November 25th, the world celebrates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which end on December 10th, International Human Rights Day. These days remind us about how serious GBV is, and how important our commitment to address it is.
GBV is widespread in the areas we are present, this is why the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart and all ministries in the Holy Spirit Region have always supported victims of GBV by providing direct aid, as well as raising awareness about GBV in order to promote a positive change in the communities we work.
Here is an example of what we do throughout the year.
“Campaign to end Teen pregnancy in St. Philips, Eswatini”
On April 17th, 2024, Cabrini Ministries GBV teams in St. Philips, Eswatini, conducted an awareness campaign to end teen pregnancies.
This was a vital initiative in addressing the issue and its impact on young girls. Representative of different institutions, such as the Domestic Violence and Child Protection Services and the Crime Prevention units of the Police, the Ministry of Health, and the Department of Social Welfare, were invited to raise awareness, provide education, and promote access to useful resources for the teenagers.
The speakers explained to all children and youth attending the event the risks of engaging in early sexual activities, and the impact of teenage pregnancies on the health of young mothers and their babies, as well as on their poverty status. Each speech motivated the participants to focus on their education and encouraged the communities at large to become advocates of ending teen pregnancy.
Teenage pregnancy is such a complex issue that encompasses a broad range of factors including social, economic, and health-related aspects. It often presents challenges not only for the teenage parents but also for their children and society at large. These challenges may include higher risks of health complications for both the mother and the baby, increased likelihood of leaving school, and facing economic hardships.
In order to address this issue, the speakers stressed the importance of learning to say no, of being an advocate for oneself, and of reporting any sexual violence and abuse. They also encouraged an open and safe space for conversations about these topics.
Through their collaboration and working together, both Cabrini Ministries and the stakeholders successfully accomplished the mission. With this kind of empowerment, we can all strive to prevent early teen pregnancy and ensure that every young person, especially girls, could thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we can have influence and build a future where every individual is valued, respected, and protected.