Articles about Morocco

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign which runs annually from 25 November (International Day Against Violence Against Women), to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). This campaign matters because one woman in three around the world has experienced physical or sexual violence, and one in two women killed worldwide were killed by their partners or families. More than 700 million women alive today were married as children, significantly increasing their risk of exposure to sexual and gender-based violence. If we don’t collectively take action, we will never break this unconscionable cycle of violence.  This year, we are putting the spotlight on the links between gender-based violence and the world of work. This could mean the violence and harassment women face while working, or on their way to/from work, or the harm they face at home which has an impact on their working lives. It is vital that we focus on this because: between 40-50% of women experience unwanted sexual advances, physical contact or other forms of sexual harassment at work  nearly a third of economies had no specific legal provisions covering sexual harassment at work, according to a 2018 study many women are forced to take time off work because of domestic abuse, and some lose their jobs as a direct result of it women who are exposed to intimate partner violence are employed in higher numbers in informal sectors, meaning lower earnings and less stability unemployment and economic insecurity are key risk factors for gender-based violence, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19. In 2019, the International Labour Organization (ILO) established new global standards aimed at tackling gender-based violence in the workplace. Violence and harassment in the world of work deprives people of their dignity, is incompatible with decent work, and a threat to equal opportunities and to safe, healthy, and productive working environments.  IPPF encourages the ratification and implementation of the ILO’s Convention No. 190 and Recommendation No. 206, which recognizes the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment. You can play a part by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for engaging daily updates marking 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence throughout the campaign period, and sharing our information with your friends and family.

Our Coalition aims to enable better coordination among civil society working towards the abandonment of FGM at different regional and sub-regional levels and increase collaboration and information sharing to help keep momentum and accelerate change to end FGM worldwide through improved cooperation across regions. “It is important that the practice of FGM is exposed in South East Asia, especially in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines, and to discuss ways to end such harmful practice. IPPF-ESEAOR will start the process within its Member-Associations and will join other CSOs and Coalitions advocating to end FGM”, concluded Nora Murat, Regional Director, International Planned Parenthood Federation East and South East Asia Regional Office.

I joined a compressive sexuality education (CSE) session organized by The Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT) a couple of years ago. From the session, I learnt about STIs, HIV, and CSE for the first time in my life. Peer educators at the session showed a photo of venereal wart. I was shocked because it looked just like what I had. So, without any further delay, after the training, I immediately met the clinical staff at PPAT clinic in Chiang Rai for a medical check-up, which confirmed that it was real – I had venereal wart. So, I decided to receive treatment immediately! Then, after some counselling sessions, I took the HIV test as suggested. Mentally, it took a big toll on me, and then the big question popped in my mind “what if I have it”? The question was looping in my head non-stop; I would think about it first thing in the morning, multiple times during the day, and when I am trying to sleep at night. I was terrified of the answer and the possibility! The result showed I was HIV positive. It was a bumpy journey for me as I was allergic to one of the medicine of ARV medication; I thought I was going to die! So, I decided to drop that medicine with the agreement and understanding, and respect from the doctor. What seemed like a normal day yesterday immediately became the scariest day for me today. I was anxious on how many days I had left before I pass – was it only for a month? A week? Or even just a day left? Every time I thought of my condition, my palms started sweating, my body started to tremble and I would lose appetite for food. There was a time when I did not eat for two days because I was so scared of what may happen to me and not knowing that it was all in my mind. This made me realise I needed inner peace, which lead me to think of entering the monkhood. I felt that only god could help me at that stage. However, my mind changed when I started to realise minor changes in my body due to the ARV treatment I have receiving. After two months of treatment, I started to feel my body reacting to the medication and thus the increase in my body’s immunity. I grew stronger mentally, physically, and phychology. I had hope again, hope for tomorrow, for my future and hope that I was prepared to fight against HIV. HIV did change my life upside-down; HIV did change my life in ways I never imagined possible. But most of all, it showed me how strong I can be and that I won’t give up the fight! I will continue studying because I believe I still do have a bright future. I am grateful that PPAT staff stood by me through this time. All those tough experiences I lived with so far, they inspired me to work as PPAT volunteer, to share CSE knowledge; not only in terms of sexuality education but also on ending sexual exploitation and abuse. Many people fail to recognize that CSE plays an important role in ending sexual abuse, sexual harassment, marital rape, which increases women and girls vulnerability to HIV. I want to make a difference and educate others about CSE, HIV and how it can link to gender based violence. Ever since I realised how important CSE is, I am willing to give all my efforts on sharing CSE with my peers at school through group discussions and working as a service provider. I want to DEVOTE myself to the society, as an active agent for CHANGE. I PROMISE. Yours sincerely, Chi, a Thai male student living with HIV, PPAT volunteer and peer educator on CSE and the prevention of gender based violence.