16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: A Global Call to Action
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an important annual campaign that takes place from November 25 to December 10. This initiative mobilizes individuals and organizations around the globe to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Understanding Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence encompasses harmful actions directed at individuals based on their gender. While both men and women can be victims of such acts, women and girls disproportionately bear the brunt of this violence.
The Alarming Statistics
The United Nations reveals that nearly one in three women and girls will encounter physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Tragically, the number of femicides has been on the rise, with over 51,000 women killed in 2023, primarily at the hands of intimate partners. Additionally, conflicts and forced displacements have exacerbated violence in regions such as Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
A Call to Action from UN Women
UN Women is urging everyone—individuals, governments, and organizations—to take decisive action to combat gender-based violence. This includes supporting survivors, pushing for stronger legislative measures, and providing funding to women’s rights organizations.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence launches annually on November 25, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and continues until December 10, which is observed as Human Rights Day.
