As a part of our ongoing support of the 16 Days campaign, we asked our Stardoll members to submit questions to Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda of the World YWCA.  Here are her replies.

Gossipgirl317 from New Zealand asks: "whose idea was it to start up the '16 days' campaign?"

Nyaradzayi: In 1991, 24 women from Fiji, Peru, Pakistan, the United States, and other nations, who were distressed over the terrible abuse women suffered worldwide, met at the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA, and launched the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Campaign. The group of women gathered wanted the world to express itself over the Montreal Mssacre of December 6, 1989, in which 14 women students at the École Polytechnique were systematically killed and 13 other students wounded by a lone gunman. Since the campaign started, 21 years ago, over 2,000 organisations in over 100 countries around the globe, dedicate the period between November 25 and December 10 each year to understanding gender violence. They define the problem in terms of poverty, lack of health care, and inadequate food and shelter, in addition to acts of physical violence and harassment. The dates of the campaign, which coincide with the International Day Against Violence Against Women (November 25) and International Human Rights Day (December 10), were intentionally chosen in order to symbolically link violence against women and human rights to highlight that such violence is a direct violation of women’s basic human rights. Each year the campaign has a special theme, this year the theme is: “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World,” and it seeks to highlight the connections between violence against women and militarism at all levels During the campaign, organisations such as the World YWCA carry out or oversee a number of activities, including workshops, lectures, lobbying efforts and online discussions to help alert the world to this serious problem.


lovesunshine asks: "what means human rights?"

Nyaradzayi: Human Rights are the rights each individual is entitled to. In 1948, following the Second World War, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The essential points stipulated in this Declaration are that all human beings are born equal, without discrimination of race, colour, language, sex, religion, political or other opinion, and are entitled to all rights, security and fundamental freedoms. That no one should be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman treatment and each one should be protected by the law. That each one has the right to freedom of opinion, to education, to health care and to equal pay. Although this Universal Declaration was endorsed 63 years ago, the reality which many individuals live in many countries worldwide is very different, as many of these principles are violated on a daily basis. Organisations such as the World YWCA work to remedy this injustice through many channels including education, lobbying, legal measures and creating safe spaces for women and girls.


grenzy from the UK asks: "Do you really think you should only show this on stardoll? Show it to the world we have to stop this before its too late."

Nyaradzayi: This is a worldwide campaign which has been gaining ground progressively since its inception 21 years ago, with more organisations and inidividuals participating each year. The problem of violence is a very serious one suffered by many and it is important for everyone to become aware of this problem and contribute to eradicating it. Thank you for your commitment, encouragement and recommendation for us to sustain this as a world wide campaign.


jat320 from Canada asks: "hi I am wondering what is the biggest type of abuse"

Nyaradzayi: Abuse comes in many forms, both physical and psychological. It is important to understand that any kind of abuse is unacceptable and must be immediately dealt with. Cultural backgrounds also play a role, in that in different countries, the definition of abuse may be different. It is, however, important to understand and acknowledge that any single abuse must be considered a big issue and must not be tolerated.


haritini3 from Greece asks: "what should a woman do if she is abused by her husband and her husband threatens her not to tell? How will he be punished?"

Nyaradzayi: The first thing a woman abused by her husband should do, is try to speak to and reason with her husband, explaining to him the psychological and/or physical pain she is suffering as a result of his abuse . If this does not help and the abuse continues, it is important that the woman seeks outside help, despite her husband’s threats. Her husband has no right to abuse her and she is in her legal right to ask for assistance, and if she is in danger, go to a safe space where she will be protected. If needed, legal action must be taken, according to the country’s jurisdiction. If the situation cannot be resolved, and this unacceptable behaviour continues, the woman may need to resort to leaving her husband.