Notes to broadcasters
Gender-based violence is any harmful act against a person or group of people because of their gender identity or expression. While gender-based violence affects many marginalized groups, women and girls are most affected. In Mali, as elsewhere in the world, gender-based violence is very common. To raise awareness and reduce the incidence of gender-based violence around the world, there is an international campaign against gender-based violence from November 25 to December 10, called the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The campaign denounces gender-based violence and encourages men, women, girls, and boys to get involved in efforts to end violence against women and girls.
These 16 radio spots focus on the following topics:
- Breaking the silence around gender-based violence
- Where to go for help in case of gender-based violence
- What the law says about gender-based violence in Mali
- Non-consensual sex is gender-based violence
- Stop female genital mutilation
- Stop killing women!
- The different forms of gender-based violence
- Gender-based violence also affects people with disabilities
- Early and forced marriage are forms of gender-based violence
- Husbands! No more physical violence!
- Respect what survivors tell you they want and need!
- Use available services to support survivors of gender-based violence
- Support survivors of gender-based violence!
- Widow sharing is a form of gender-based violence
- Let’s all work to end gender-based violence
- Say no to all forms of gender-based violence
Some of these spots contain information that is specific to Mali, but they can all be adapted for use in any country. All services, organizations, phone numbers, and laws should be replaced with locally relevant information. To obtain this information, contact local organizations that deal with gender-based violence.
The spots are 15-60 seconds long and can be aired several times during your programs throughout the year. We encourage you to air these spots especially for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from November 25 to December 10.
Script
Why don’t we talk to a lawyer I know? And we can talk to the community organization that supports people in this type of situation. They’ll know what you could do, and then you can decide.
(Editor’s note: If you are not in Mali, replace the information in this spot with locally relevant information.)
Many women face violence at the hands of their husbands. Many young girls are still forced into marriage and undergo female genital mutilation. This has to stop.
Several organizations in Mali provide support to survivors of gender-based violence. The One Stop Centre provides services to survivors in all major hospitals. There are also organizations such as the Association de Soutien aux Actions de Développement des Populations, the Malian Red Cross, and Yamane Mali.
A toll-free number is also available at 80 00 11 32.
Together, let’s speak out against gender-based violence.
(Editor’s note: If you are not in Mali, replace the information in this spot with locally relevant information.)
parliament in 2015. But it isn’t the law yet.
Some people believe that this law will place women’s rights above men’s. This is not true!
The law will help prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Let’s join hands to pass laws against gender-based violence, for the good of all.
Make sure you both give free, informed consent before each sexual act. And remember that both of you have the right to change your mind at any point and stop.
Together, let’s say no to female genital mutilation. Our daughters and sisters deserve to have happy, healthy lives.
The United Nations estimates that, in 2021, 40% of women in sub-Saharan Africa had experienced violence during their lifetime. And almost one in five of these women were at clear risk of dying from their husbands’ violent acts.
Nothing can justify this!
Let’s break the silence and say NO to gender-based violence.
Support women! Together, let’s prevent and condemn all forms of gender-based violence.
Together, let’s protect each other against gender-based violence.
Say no to early and forced marriage!
Husbands! Do not beat your wife under any circumstances!
Together, let’s respect women’s rights and speak out against gender-based violence.
Have you witnessed or heard about violence against a woman or girl? If you have, ask the survivor what they want and need.
Learn about local services for survivors so you can share this information if women want it.
Always respect what survivors tell you they want and need.
But this is false! Nowadays, there are organizations that can help survivors of gender-based violence through the legal process. In (COUNTRY), (INSERT ORGANIZATION NAME) can help!
Let’s break the silence and use all available services, including the courts, to support survivors of gender-based violence.
Get informed about the services near you!
All forms of gender-based violence are serious and unacceptable. This includes rape, physical assault, early and forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and other types of violence.
It’s time to speak up about gender-based violence.Together, we can prevent violence and support survivors by listening to what they want and need.
Widow sharing is the forced marriage of a widow to the brother of her deceased husband. This often results in violence.
Let’s stop this harmful practice that violates the rights of our sisters, mothers, and daughters!
In your family and elsewhere, stand up against widow sharing.
We are all hurt by gender-based violence—even if you don’t experience it directly. And we ALL have a responsibility to protect each other’s rights.
Stopping gender-based violence is everybody’s business.
Some husbands beat their wives to death. Young girls are forced to drop out of school to marry. Others are subjected to female genital mutilation and live with the pain for the rest of their lives.
It’s time to support survivors and condemn ALL forms of gender-based violence.
Acknowledgements
Contributed by: Dioro Cisse, journalist in Mali
Reviewed by: Yadicko Touré in charge of gender at the Association Femme Débout (+233 79 54 44 03)
This resource was produced through the “HÉRÈ – Women’s Well-Being in Mali” initiative, which aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health well-being of women and girls and to strengthen the prevention of and response to gender-based violence in Sikasso, Ségou, Mopti, and the district of Bamako in Mali. The project is implemented by the HÉRÈ – MSI Mali Consortium, in partnership with Farm Radio International (RRI) and Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) with funding from Global Affairs Canada.