In today’s world, taking concrete steps towards ending violence against women in all its forms is very crucial. From physical abuse to emotional and sexual violence, Gender-based violence affects millions worldwide, cutting across all socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic boundaries.
In 1991, a civil society organization, the Center for Women’s Global Leadership Institute (CWGL), started the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which would later become a global campaign.
This campaign was to get individuals and organisations worldwide to lend their voices to prevent and eliminate the global problem of violence against women and girls.
Later in 2008, the Secretary General of the United Nations launched the Campaign UNITE by 2030 to End Violence against Women, to support the 16 Days of Activism worldwide.
This campaign is observed annually from November 25 (International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).
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Why it Matters
Every year, it is given a theme and this year’s theme reads: “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women”.
The latest reports on violence against women and girls have been a gory one globally.
In 2023, 85,000 women and girls were killed intentionally and every 10 minutes, their family member or intimate partner kills one girl or woman.
Likewise, recent figures show that approximately one in three women encounter violence in her lifetime and one in four adolescent girls is abused by their partners.
According to UN Women, this violence has led to a high degree of femicide or homicide.
According to the World Health Organisation, in cases where the female gender does not die, she suffers health consequences.
The above figures depict how gender-based violence is not only a local, regional, or national issue but a global issue; one that the world must unite to fight against.
The campaign reminds the world of violence against women and girls and how it can and must be prevented.
The 2024 Theme
In a press release, The UN Women stated that through the 16 Day of Activism Campaign, they will call to revitalize commitments, and call for accountability and action from decision-makers.
This will be done under the theme: “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women”
It further states “A global social media campaign to speak up against gender-based violence has been launched using #NoExcuse and #16Days.”
The theme is an indicator that violence against women is not inevitable and it can and must be stopped.
How it Started
The 16 Days Activism Campaign is a global call for everyone regardless of race or gender to take action to end gender-based violence.
These are what UN Women highlighted that individuals, organizations and government can contribute:
- Governments
– Legislate and enforce laws: Enact legislation that criminalizes all forms of gender-based violence and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
– Develop National Action Plans: Allocate resources to implement comprehensive plans that focus on prevention, survivor support, and women’s empowerment.
– Invest in women’s rights organizations: These groups are key in driving grassroots change and providing integral services to survivors.
- Companies and Institutions
– Enact zero-tolerance policies: Establish a secure environment through clearly articulated policies on harassment and violence.
– Increase awareness: Host events, workshops, or campaigns with specific references to orange, the official colour of this campaign, and tweet with hashtags like #NoExcuse and #16Days.
– Support Survivors: Provide access to counselling services, for example, or other forms of financial assistance.
- Individuals
–Advocate for change: Engage with policymakers, encouraging them to make gender-based violence laws and policies a priority.
–Donate and volunteer: Give your time and resources to local women’s shelters, rights organizations, or global campaigns working toward ending violence.
– Raise awareness: Share campaign materials via social media; organise events in your community; use your creativity to spread messages that display zero tolerance for violence.
