16 days of activism against GBV: A global call for change and solidarity

The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” is an important global campaign that runs annually from Nov 25 to Dec 10. This period serves as a critical time to raise awareness, advocate for change, and take action against gender-based violence (GBV), particularly violence against women and girls. The campaign aims to highlight the widespread nature of GBV and to encourage governments, organizations, and individuals to take concrete steps toward its eradication.

The “16 Days of Activism” campaign was launched in 1991 by the ‘Center for Women’s Global Leadership’ at Rutgers University, United States. It was created to catalyze a global movement to address violence against women, with specific dates chosen for their significance. Nov 25 marks the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women”, which commemorates the “Mirabal Sisters”, three Dominican women who were political activists and were murdered on 25 Nov 1960, by the secret police under the regime of Rafael Trujillo. Their assassination became a symbol of resistance against gender-based violence and state oppression. The campaign ends on Dec 10, which is ‘Human Rights Day’, commemorating the adoption of the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” by the United Nations in 1948. This declaration affirms the right of every individual to live free from violence, discrimination, and abuse.

The legacy of the “Mirabal Sisters” plays a central role in the campaign. Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa were politically active women who opposed the authoritarian Trujillo regime, speaking out about the rights of women and against the brutal tactics of the government. Their tragic deaths became a rallying cry for women’s rights activists around the world, and their legacy continues to inspire the global fight against violence. The United Nations officially designated Nov 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1999, using their martyrdom to draw attention to the urgent need to address gender-based violence.

As per various reports and studies, violence against women remains a global epidemic, affecting “one in three women” in their lifetime. This violence can take many forms such as physical, sexual, psychological, and economic and is often perpetrated by intimate partners. GBV is deeply entrenched in social, cultural, and institutional inequalities, and its impacts are far-reaching. Factors such as “poverty”, “armed conflict”, and “cultural norms” exacerbate women’s vulnerability to violence. Women in poverty are more likely to experience abuse and lack the resources to escape it, while those in conflict zones face heightened risks of sexual violence. Harmful patriarchal systems, gender norms, and societal expectations often normalize violence, perpetuating abuse across generations.

The “16 Days of Activism” aims to achieve several key objectives. “Raising awareness” is a primary goal of the campaign. Through social media campaigns, public protests, and educational workshops, the campaign amplifies the voices of survivors and advocates, helping to break the silence around GBV and bring the issue into the global spotlight. Another central objective is “advocating for institutional change”, specifically pushing for stronger laws and policies to protect women from violence. This includes advocating for the criminalization of all forms of GBV, ensuring that survivors have access to justice, and establishing support services to help women recover from violence. “Empowering women and girls” is also a major focus of the campaign. By providing resources, education, and support, the campaign works to help women and girls live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives, while breaking the cycle of violence. Lastly, the campaign seeks to “build solidarity” among individuals, organizations, and nations, fostering a collective global movement to end GBV and ensure gender equality.

Over the years, the “16 Days of Activism” campaign has had a significant impact. It has led to “increased legal protections” in many countries, with reforms that criminalize domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking. These legal advancements have helped ensure that survivors have access to justice and vital support services. The campaign has also played a crucial role in “raising public awareness” about gender-based violence. Through mass media, social media, and grassroots campaigns, it has sparked public dialogue on the root causes of violence and the need for social change. The campaign has inspired “global solidarity movements”, with protests, marches, and social media mobilizations uniting people from diverse backgrounds in the fight against GBV.

Looking toward the future, while the campaign has made significant progress, much work remains to be done. The future of the “16 Days of Activism” depends on continued efforts to “change social norms” and “engage men and boys” as allies in the fight against GBV. Challenging traditional notions of masculinity, promoting respectful relationships, and addressing harmful gender norms are essential for creating lasting societal change. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on “prevention”—educating individuals about consent, healthy relationships, and the importance of gender equality. Supporting survivors remains a critical component of the campaign, ensuring that they have access to care, legal assistance, and economic resources to rebuild their lives.

In conclusion, the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” is a vital campaign that continues to raise awareness, advocate for systemic change, and build solidarity across the globe. Its impact has been profound, but the fight for gender equality and the elimination of violence is ongoing. The campaign serves as a reminder that this is not just a women’s issue, it is a human rights issue that requires the collective action of all people, regardless of gender, to ensure that women and girls everywhere can live free from violence, discrimination, and fear.