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What are the 16 Days of Activism?
The 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence (GBV) is an annual global movement and campaign that runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25 through December 10– Human Rights Day. It was originally created by activists during the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute, sponsored by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991. Participants chose the dates November 25- International Day Against Violence Against Women- and December 10- International Human Rights Day- to symbolically link and highlight violence against women (VAW) and human rights and to emphasize that such violence is a violation of human rights. The UN supports this civil society-led campaign through the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence Against Women Campaign (UNiTE) since 2008.
Why are the 16 Days of Activism Important?
GBV is a global pandemic that affects one in three women and girls in their lifetime. It is a violation of human rights and has a devastating impact on the lives of women and girls, their families, and communities.
The 16 Days of Activism is a crucial time to mobilize individuals, governments, and Civil Society Organization (CSOs) to end GBV. It serves as an opportunity to come together and amplify the voices of women and girls who have experienced violence, to exchange strategies, to demand accountability from perpetrators, and to build a world where all women and girls live free from violence.
What is Vital Voices doing?
Each year, Vital Voices participates in the 16 Days of Activism, amplifying the visibility and experiences of women leaders and partners in our network who are dedicated to eliminating GBV in their communities. Our 2024 Campaign, #UniteThePowerOfMany highlights the work of GBV activists from our network while simultaneously amplifying the importance of coordination and collective action. Let us recommit ourselves to the fight against all forms of GBV: by raising awareness, supporting survivors, and demanding systemic change!