About International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

DESCRIPTION:

The "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" is an annual international campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global entities. It starts on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10th, Human Rights Day. This period emphasizes the link between the eradication of gender-based violence and the promotion of human rights.

Each year, the campaign focuses on raising awareness, mobilizing public support, and calling for changes in policy and legal frameworks to address and prevent violence against women and girls. Its significance rests in distressing statistics: globally, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, mainly by an intimate partner.

The campaign often features a unifying theme guiding the activities and messaging. These activities range from public demonstrations and social media campaigns to educational workshops and lobbying of policymakers. It garners support from governments, NGOs, celebrities, and individuals worldwide.

A critical aspect of the campaign is its emphasis on inclusivity and intersectionality, recognizing that gender-based violence affects women and girls of all ages, races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds differently. There is a particular focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as indigenous women, women with disabilities, and those in conflict zones.

The 16 Days campaign is more than a call to end violence; it's a movement toward creating a global culture of respect, equality, and safety for all women and girls. Its impact is seen not just in heightened awareness but in tangible policy changes and community-level action against gender-based violence.