MTN Group has announced its participation in the global campaign “UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls”, which aims to combat gender-based violence (GBV) that affects around 736 million women worldwide. The campaign, which runs from 25 November to 10 December, is a 16-day campaign of activism that focuses on breaking the barriers of silence and stigma that often surround GBV, empowering women to stand strong and speak out.
“The staggering number of women affected by gender-based violence globally requires more than just awareness – it demands action,” says MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo.
According to MTN Group, the company is leveraging its innovative technology and strategic partnerships to create safer, more equitable environments for women and girls. The company said that it is committed to supporting the collective call to action to empower survivors, reduce and prevent violence against women and girls, and protect women’s rights, while simultaneously educating male allies and providing resources that can lead to further harm reduction.
“GBV is a crisis that transcends borders and cultures. As Africa’s leading communications company, we are uniquely positioned to use our resources and reach to make a tangible difference. Leveraging the power of technology as a social catalyst, we, together with all those involved in the UNiTE! campaign, contribute to making our communities safer.“
The company also urged everyone to participate during the 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign, amplifying the voices of survivors and activists, supporting women’s organisations, and strengthening feminist movements towards a common goal. The company said that the time for silence is over; it is time to act, empower, and be the change.
The UNiTE! campaign is an initiative of the United Nations that marks 16 Days of Activism against GBV every year. The campaign acts to shed light on the urgent need for collective action to combat GBV globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where a third of women have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, surpassing the global average of 20%.
