Mekelle, Tigray - UNFPA Ethiopia, and Tigray's Bureau of Women's Affairs unveiled billboard messages focusing on the prevention of gender-based violence as part of the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The billboard unveiling event, held in Tigray’s capital on November 29, was attended by the President of Tigray’s Interim Administration, Mr. Getachew Reda, community leaders, and relevant partners in the region.

The billboard messages, prepared in cooperation between UNFPA and the Bureau of Women’s Affairs, are part of a series of events and initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for the prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls. The billboard messages are visible in Mekelle, Adigrat, and Shire.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign, running from November 25 to December 10, serves as a platform to shed light on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and its detrimental impact on individuals, families, and the community at large. This year's theme, "UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls," emphasizes the need to engage and empower community members to actively reject and prevent all forms of gender-based violence.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, President Getachew called on all to re-commit to eliminating gender-based violence and strengthen efforts to support survivors as part of Tigray recovery and rehabilitation.

The Tigray Region has been grappling with the aftermath of conflict and displacement, making it even more critical to address gender-based violence and provide support for survivors. Efforts are being made to integrate gender-sensitive policies into the region's recovery and development programs, ensuring that the unique challenges faced by women and girls are acknowledged and addressed.

The President also called for the protection of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence from any form of discrimination and called on community members to support their full recovery and integration. “No development, democratization, or rehabilitation effort can succeed if it doesn’t take into consideration healing for survivors.” The President also made a call for justice and accountability for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

“We must unite as a community to break the cycle of violence and discrimination. By rejecting gender-based violence, we pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for everyone in Tigray", said Ms. Joyce Paklaki, UNFPA Head of Sub-Office in Tigray, reiterating UNFPA’s commitment to contributing to ending gender-based violence, including harmful practices by 2030.

As part of the commemoration, UNFPA, in cooperation with other partners, will hold different activities across the region, such as a round table of discussions with community and religious leaders, providing training for media professionals on gender-sensitive reporting, and building capacity for law enforcement on the handling of GBV cases.