What are the 16 days of activism?
The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign to end gender-based violence, running every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). It unites governments, civil society, and communities worldwide to raise awareness, demand accountability, and inspire action against violence targeting women and girls.
Key Facts About the 16 Days of Activism?
- Origins (1991): Launched by activists at the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute, it began as a civil society initiative and has since grown into a worldwide movement.
- Dates: Symbolically links November 25 (Elimination of Violence Against Women Day) with December 10 (Human Rights Day), highlighting that gender-based violence is a human rights violation.
- Led by UN Women: The campaign is supported globally by UN Women, governments, NGOs, and grassroots activists.
- Themes: Each year focuses on a specific issue. Recent themes include ending digital violence against women and girls, reflecting the rise of online harassment and abuse.
- Global Reach: Events include marches, workshops, social media campaigns, art exhibits, and community dialogues across countries from Ghana to Antigua, Nagaland to the UK.
Why It Matters?
- Scale of the issue: Every 10 minutes, a woman or girl is killed by an intimate partner or family member.
- Universal problem: Violence against women occurs in every culture, country, and community, with heightened risks in conflict and humanitarian settings.
- Call to action: The campaign urges individuals to listen to survivors, challenge harmful norms, support organisations, and advocate for stronger laws and protections.
The 16 Days of Activism is both a symbolic and practical movement: it connects awareness with action, reminding the world that ending gender-based violence is essential to achieving equality and human rights. At Amadudu Women’s Refuge, we stand in solidarity with survivors, amplifying voices that demand safety, dignity, and justice.
This campaign is not just about raising awareness—it’s about action. Together, we can challenge harmful attitudes, support survivors, and build communities free from violence.