As the 7 Days GBV Awareness Campaign comes to an end, African Women Network calls for urgent collective action to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV), femicide, and all forms of violence targeting women and girls across Africa.
Today’s theme, “African Women Deserve Safe Futures,” reminds us that every woman and girl deserves to live free from fear, abuse, discrimination, and violence. While awareness is important, real change requires action from governments, institutions, communities, families, and individuals.
Ending GBV Requires More Than Conversations
The fight against GBV and femicide cannot be won through silence or temporary outrage. It requires long-term commitment and systems that protect survivors while holding perpetrators accountable.
To build safer communities for African women and girls, we must prioritise:
Stronger laws and justice systems
Survivor-centred support services
Access to mental health and counselling
Education and awareness programs
Community accountability
Safe reporting spaces
Economic empowerment for women
Collective advocacy against violence
Across Africa, many women continue to suffer in silence due to stigma, fear, economic dependency, and lack of support systems. This campaign has amplified voices, educated communities, and encouraged survivors to seek help and healing.
Healing Is Possible
Survivors of GBV deserve compassion, dignity, justice, and support. Healing is not linear, but with safe communities, access to resources, and emotional support, survivors can rebuild their lives and reclaim their voices.
African Women Network encourages communities to stop victim-blaming and instead create environments where survivors feel heard, protected, and empowered.
Collective Action Saves Lives
Ending violence against women is not solely a women’s issue; it is a societal responsibility.
We call on:
Governments to strengthen policies and enforce justice
Schools and universities to educate young people on healthy relationships
Religious and community leaders to speak boldly against GBV
Men and boys to become allies in protecting women and girls
Media platforms to amplify survivor stories responsibly
Communities to report abuse and support survivors safely
Silence protects abusers. Awareness saves lives. Action changes communities.
AFRICAN WOMEN NETWORK Campaign Commitment
As AFRICAN WOMEN NETWORK, we remain committed to:
Empowering African women through education and advocacy
Amplifying women’s voices and survivor stories
Creating safe conversations around GBV and mental health
Promoting leadership, healing, and social justice
Building a future where African women and girls thrive safely
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