Beyond 16 days: From awareness to action

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running each year from Nov 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to Dec 10 (Human Rights Day) have ended. While this global campaign underlined the pressing need to eliminate violence and discrimination against women and girls, it reminded us that the road to a world free of violence requires commitment and action beyond just these 16 days.

This year’s campaign has again brought to the fore the urgency that surrounds gender-based violence (GBV). The conversations it sparked and awareness it raised should inspire action beyond these 16 days. The theme for 2024, Toward Beijing+30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls, calls on governments, the private sector and individuals to act on priorities spelt out in the Beijing Platform for Action that reflects three decades of progress and remaining challenges to eliminate GBV.

Globally, the statistics are alarming: one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In Nepal, the reality is no different with the Nepal Demographic Health Survey, 2022, revealing that 23 percent of women aged 15-49 years have experienced physical violence, seven percent have faced sexual violence and 13 percent have suffered emotional violence.
Even homes are not safe as the survey shows 25 percent of ever-married women experiencing spousal abuses. This is a stark reminder that GBV is not only an individual issue but a deep-rooted social problem that requires urgent and continued action.

For many women in Nepal, a 16-day campaign is far from enough. Awareness campaigns, though much needed, hardly reach rural areas or the most marginalized groups of society, where women face multiple discriminations based on factors such as disability, caste, and ethnicity. The layers of exclusion increase their vulnerability to violence and limit their access to opportunities and resources.

This complex reality of multiple layers of discrimination exists at every level, from local communities to organizational and institutional settings, denying women the opportunity to lead and reach their full potential.

As we reflect on the 16 Days of Activism, we cannot avoid the fundamental issues underlying all sectors, including livelihood, education, human rights, water and sanitation, and health. An important question that remains urgent is the systematic denial of women’s potential and leadership. This denial is evident not only in communities but also extends to organizational and institutional settings where gender bias and stereotypes often prevail.

These barriers prevent women from participating in decision-making roles and limit their ability to lead effectively. Underutilizing women’s leadership is a disservice to society as a whole and denies the proven capacity of women to bring about transformational change. 

However, in recent times, there have been signs of hope. Women are increasingly rising to positions of leadership, advocating for change and challenging harmful societal norms. This shift, though gradual, signals that change is possible when communities and institutions commit to fostering inclusive and equitable environments.

Campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism raise awareness about important issues, but these efforts must be integrated into broader strategies that enable women and girls to be aware of their rights, resist violence and report it. Continuous advocacy, policy changes and strengthened institutional responses are needed for sustainable progress. This includes engaging local leaders and organizations to the forefront in their communities, furnishing them with resources and support so that they can effectively make change happen.

According to the 2022 health survey, 58 percent of women who suffer physical and sexual violence do not seek support or speak out. This underlines the need for the implementation of programs that allow women to have a safe space where they can express themselves and seek help. It is about empowering women to report violence and ensuring support to break the cycles of abuse and build trust in the systems designed to protect them.

Education and economic empowerment are pivotal in curbing GBV. Educated and economically independent women are better equipped to challenge harmful gender norms and speak up for themselves and others. Yet, despite gains, significant barriers persist. For women who also face discrimination because of their caste and ethnicity, disability, or socioeconomic status, these barriers are significant, making them more vulnerable. The intensity of their exclusion multiplies the risks they face, further calling for targeted interventions recognizing and addressing their unique experiences and challenges.

The call for action is not an individual issue. It demands community-wide engagement, where men and boys are included as essential allies in breaking the violent cycle. Teaching healthy and respectful relationships and gender equality from an early age can establish the foundation for long-lasting change. Programs that encourage gender responsiveness and respect toward women should be integrated into education systems and community-based initiatives. These, along with more stringent and inclusive legal frameworks, can support a culture that gives primacy to safety, equality and dignity for all. This could be done through grassroots movements, government policy or international cooperation; the aim is to bring us closer to a world where women are valued, empowered and safe.

The stories of the women leaders and survivors who share their stories and advocate for change provides much-needed hope. They remind us that with determination and continued support, a future without violence is possible. But to get there, we must commit to the hard work that will be required to dismantle structures that breed violence and discrimination. The 16 Days of Activism must ignite a sense of urgency and purpose, not just for 16 days, but for every day beyond. Only through sustained action can we realize the vision of a world in which women, girls, children and every member of the society can live free from fear and have every opportunity to achieve their full potential.