FROM PEACE IN THE HOME TO PEACE IN THE WORLD: MAKE EDUCATION SAFE FOR ALL!".

The 16 Days of Activism is an import event in the Soroptimist calendar where clubs focus on public awareness advocacy and activities to promote Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. The UN has this to say:

Given such insecurity and lack of safety in relation to education, and informed by the results of a global survey, the theme of the 16 Days Campaign is “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Make Education Safe for All”. This theme recognizes that structural discrimination and inequality is perpetuated in a cycle of violence that does not end even when girls and young women are in the act of gaining an education. Gender-based violence with respect to the right to education is a consistent threat in public spaces, schools, and homes and is a detriment to the universal human right to education and it is our obligation to focus on the precarious situation of education for girls and boys, young women and men this year through the 16 Days Campaign.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 on education makes it clear that education will lead to skills and knowledge for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, as well as gender equality, culture of peace and non-violence, and appreciation for cultural diversity - UN

Clubs within our South West Pacific Federation – have planned activities which are focused on the continuation of the zero tolerance theme and on action against organised violence such as trafficking and the impact of violence on people other than victims. Prevention of violence against women and support for survivors is a focus of most clubs in the federation

Orange our World is a campaign supported by Soroptimists around the world and in our federation we encourage clubs to be part of this, keep your eyes on the SISwp Facebook and Twitter accounts and report your actions and involvement during the 16 Days of Activism under the hashtag #SISWP16days.

Change your club and personal Facebook banner to the SISWP 16 Days of Activism banner. Perhaps your club members could wear an orange ribbon or flower for the period 25 November to 10 December and explain its meaning to those who enquire.

MalaysiaThe Region of Malaysia (SIROM) is again planning an active 16 days of Activism which will include on the 25th of November a Public Forum and Movie screening on Human Trafficking. This is the first of its kind in Malaysia, Mr Sabastian Boll from the UN-ACT BANGKOK is to be the keynote speaker and we hope to work on areas of cooperation with the UN- ACT. The speakers will cover key aspects of the human trafficking chain , thus the police , women shelters , immigration and others are involved . Our aim is to raise awareness, advocate and follow up with action so as to assist in bringing Malaysia out of Tier 2 status in the US ANNUAL Trafficking in Persons ( TIP) Report ( although it is currently off the Tier 2 Watch List) . Malaysia has been in the Tier 2 Watch List since 2010.

The theme for this whole day event is “Walk the Talk – Stop Trafficking Women and Girls “.SIROM have partnerships with a University and government support, including a VIP. The aim is to raise awareness about Violence Against Women and Girls, and also to educate the public especially University and college students on what roles they can play to stop the problem.Students from the University will also be involved in several activities on that day including a symbolic walk around the campus followed by a flash mob, a photography competition on the theme of human trafficking and a Cambodian dance. In addition they will act as guides and ushers.As the Region president stated, “ In the afternoon of the same day, we plan to have a special private screening of a film called “Talking to the Trees”.

New Zealand

On the 17/18 November 2017. Soroptimist Nelson provided a meal for the White Ribbon Riders and along with SI Waimea attended the White Ribbon Event Run by Nelson Tasman Violence Network in Nelson . . The event was very emotional and several riders stood up to “right their wrongs” which is not easy to do and say “It is not Ok”. The Theme for this year’s NZ White Ribbon campaign is “Raising our Boys” having respectful relationships. The Riders are talking to Various Schools around the South Island to Promote this message. NZ South Clubs support the Riders every year with a meal if they are in town and/or as part of their “Walk the Talk” Events.

Brisbane Australia

Answer Our Call Breakfast, SI Brisbane annual breakfast event to raise funds for the Queensland Women’s Legal Service HelpLine - to support women and families experiencing Domestic Violence across the state. Key note speaker will be Rosie Batty (past Australian of the Year) and Domestic Violence campaigner. The event will be held on Tuesday November 28th

Albany, Australia

SI Albany is sponsoring "The Umbrella Project Albany". This initiative will raise awareness to Domestic Violence, at an exhibition at The Albany Women’s Centre, York Street Albany, this exhibition of photographs/ posters / object will be held during the second week of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. This world celebration is held from the 25th November to the 10th December 2017. Come along and support SI Albany’s involvement in this initiative, with their creative umbrella

SI Singapore

"SI Singapore will be hosting a movie and panel discussion. SI Singapore welcome you to spend a meaningful evening where you will watch the award winning movie "Talking to the Trees" and engage in a lively panel discussion about Human Trafficking today.

"TALKING TO THE TREES" is a film about the journey of a woman and a 10 year old girl out of the Southeast Asian brothels. Used several times to discuss laws about child exploitation, the film has become a symbol of the fight against human trafficking.

Note: MDA's rating for Talking to the Trees is M18.

Proceeds from the sale of tickets at $50 each will go towards building a classroom for Seametrey Kindergarten in Cambodia. The Event will be hosted on the 27th of November.

SI Karratha

on the 25th of November, members from SI Karratha in Western Australia will be combining with the White Ribbon movement to sponsor and promote “VENT” a one act play to create Awareness on Domestic Violence and is our contribution to the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Warning Course Language. Parental Guidance Recommended.

Soroptimists from South Australia

South Australia is continuing its commitment to advocacy against domestic violence. SI Adelaide begins with a seminar in Mid-November The speaker will be Liana Buchanan, the Victorian Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People. Her topic will be Neither seen nor heard: Are children the invisible victims of family violence?This will be followed on 24 November by the sold out White Ribbon Breakfast which has Soroptimists on its organising committee. On the Saturday morning there will be a march through Adelaide organised by FADVAN the Family and Domestic Violence Action Networks. Soroptimist help organise this and have support from many groups including politicians, the SA Police and Fire Brigade and senior school students.A similar march has been organised for a number of years by SI Hornsby in new South Wales and community involvement has grown steadily.