An international campaign, the 16 Days Of Activism against Gender-Based Violence originated in 1991, by the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute, and runs from November 25 to 10th December (Human Rights Day). 25th November is also the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The ultimate goal of these 16 days is to reinforce elimination of all forms of violence against women. The days of activism also include:
November 29– International Women Human Rights Defenders Day
December 1– World AIDS Day
December 5– International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
December 10– International Human Rights Day
Events organized for the 16 Days Campaign take a variety of forms including, but not limited to protests, rallies, marches, art exhibitions, political lobbying, theater performances, vigils, roundtable discussions, film screenings, fundraisers for local domestic violence shelters, letter writing campaigns, workshops, support groups, street theater, trainings in schools, media campaigns, and petition signing.
Here are a few ways you can get involved:
•Get creative|
Art inspires change. It’s a powerful form of expression that can spark a conversation on gender-based violence and engage your friends, family and community.
•Learn the signs|
By recognizing violence, we can end it. Worldwide, almost one third of all women who have been in a relationship have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner. A sudden or gradual change in appearance or behaviour can be an indicator that abuse or neglect has occurred (or may still be happening.
•Mobilize men and boys|
Men are half the world, they are our brothers, fathers, sons, co-workers, and friends- bring them into this circle. Men and boys of all ages and walks of life must take a stand against violence against women and girls. Call on all the boys and men in your life to stand with you and women and girls, to end violence against women and all gender inequality. Men need to take steps in ending toxic masculinity.
•Know the facts|
It is happening all around you. One in three women and girls around the world experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
•Buy from women entrepreneurs|
Money matters. Empowering women economically keeps women from being entirely dependent on their partners and also helps survivors rebuild their lives, so buy from women, whenever you can.
•Learn the language|
The words and the language we use can perpetuate or break gender stereotypes. You can fight gender bias using gender-inclusive language that places both women and men on an equal level.
•Use your platform|
Use that megaphone that you have! You can use your platforms to inform and impact change with your friends, family and community.
•Support one another|
By standing together, we’re stronger. Supporting women and those that empower women, is essential to achieving gender equality and ending violence against women. Whether you reach out to the women in your life to check in, or get involved with a local women’s group, you can make a difference.
•Know your rights|
Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation. Be informed of their rights and generate awareness.
•Spread the word|
Now that you know the facts about gender-based violence and the signs of intimate partner violence, and have heard the stories from survivors, be sure to share with your friends and family.