Violence against women is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. The impact of gender-based violence (GBV) stretches across borders and cultures, affecting millions of women and girls worldwide. 

Understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) 

Gender-based violence (GBV) can manifest in various forms, including physical assault, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological violence, and economic coercion. GBV is not a single act; it encompasses a range of harmful behaviours that target individuals based on their gender. The violence leaves a devastating mark on survivors, impacting their physical and mental health, well-being, and ability to participate fully in society. 

Amidst this alarming reality, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence emerges as a beacon of change. This transformative campaign seeks to raise awareness, challenge societal norms, and provide a platform for survivors to share their stories. It stands as a testament to the collective effort needed to combat the multifaceted challenges posed by gender-based violence.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: A Powerful Platform for Change

The Global 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign that runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until the Human Rights Day on 10 December. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign was initiated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) in 1991. 

The campaign officially began in 1991, with participants wearing a symbolic orange ribbon to represent a bright and optimistic future free from violence against women.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence, challenge societal norms that perpetuate such violence, and advocate for policy changes. It serves as a platform to amplify the voices of survivors, promote gender equality, and foster a global conversation that encourages collective action to eradicate violence against individuals based on their gender.

The 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign provides a critical platform to:

  • Raise awareness: By sharing stories of survivors, highlighting the scope and impact of GBV, and engaging in public dialogue, the campaign helps break the silence surrounding this issue.
  • Challenge harmful social norms: The campaign works to deconstruct deep-rooted patriarchal structures and attitudes that normalise and encourage GBV. 
  • Shifting social norms: The campaign challenges harmful gender stereotypes and promotes respectful relationships to prevent future generations from experiencing violence. 
  • Mobilise action: The 16 Days provide a rallying point for individuals and organisations to take action, whether through advocacy, education, service provision, or policy reform.
  • Empower survivors: The campaign gives voice to survivors and highlights their resilience and strength. It also focuses on creating safe spaces and providing support services to survivors.
  • Hold governments accountable: The campaign urges governments to fulfil their obligations to uphold and enforce laws that protect women and girls from GBV.

Over the years, the campaign has grown exponentially, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. It has become a rallying point for individuals and organisations committed to creating a world where everyone, irrespective of gender, can live free from fear and violence.

Significant Dates of 16 Days of Activism

  • November 25: The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marks the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism, focusing on raising awareness about violence against women and launching a global campaign to eliminate this pervasive issue.
  • November 29: International Women Human Rights Defenders Day recognizes the critical role of women human rights defenders. The day celebrates their courage and commitment to advancing gender equality while acknowledging the unique challenges they face
  • December 1: World AIDS Day emphasises the intersectionality of issues, highlighting the increased vulnerability of GBV victims to HIV/AIDS and the importance of addressing these interconnected challenges
  • December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities raises awareness about the rights of people with disabilities. This day emphasises the need for inclusive approaches in combating gender-based violence, ensuring that all women and girls, regardless of ability, are protected from harm.
  • December 5: Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development encourages volunteerism in support of initiatives tackling GBV and promoting gender equality.
  • December 6: The day is observed as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada, commemorating the lives lost in the Montreal Massacre and reinforcing the commitment to ending gender-based violence.
  • December 10: International Human Rights Day reaffirms the connection between gender-based violence and broader human rights issues, emphasising the shared responsibility to uphold the principles of dignity, equality, and justice for all.

The Theme: Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls

Every year, the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) either introduces a new theme or continues an old theme for the 16 Days of Activism Battles Gender-Based Violence campaign. 

This year’s theme for the campaign is “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls”, focusing on the importance of investing in various preventive strategies to stop gender-based violence. 

The focus highlights the importance of proactive measures, resource allocation, and collective efforts for GBV prevention. By emphasising investment in prevention strategies, the campaign aims to address the root causes of violence and create a future where women and girls can live free from the threat of harm and discrimination. 

This theme encourages a holistic approach, advocating for financial and social investments that contribute to building safer, more equitable societies. This year, the campaign invites governments from across the world to share their investment strategies for preventing gender-based violence. 

How the Campaign Battles GBV

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence stands as a formidable force in the battle against the pervasive issue of GBV. The campaign’s efficacy lies in its multifaceted approach, combining awareness, advocacy, and grassroots activism to address the root causes and consequences of gender-based violence.

At its core, the campaign serves as a catalyst for conversations that challenge societal norms perpetuating GBV. Through workshops, panel discussions, awareness-raising events, and generating required resources, it empowers individuals to recognize, understand, and confront the various forms of violence that affect women and girls globally.

From local grassroots initiatives to international collaborations, the campaign fosters a sense of solidarity and collective responsibility. It provides a platform for survivors to share their stories, breaking the silence that often surrounds gender-based violence and diminishing the stigma associated with being a victim.

Conclusion

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a powerful instrument in the ongoing battle against GBV, igniting a global movement that transcends borders, empowers survivors, and challenges societies to envision and actively work towards a future free from gender-based violence. However, It is imperative to recognize that the battle against GBV requires a sustained commitment beyond these 16 days. 

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Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for official healthcare. If you suspect you or someone you know suffers from the conditions mentioned in this article. The Zarcare Team recommends immediately contacting a qualified healthcare practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures
What are the 16 days of Activism, and why should you care?
https://www.who.int/campaigns/16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence/2023
https://www.unfpa.org/16days
https://www.counterpart.org/16-days-how-counterpart-combats-gender-based-violence/
https://lebanon.un.org/en/253740-16-days-activism-campaign-against-gender-based-violence-kicks-lebanon-violence-increases