The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is an annual global campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting actions to end violence against women and children. The campaign starts on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10, which is Human Rights Day. It serves as a reminder that the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) requires not only reflection but also collective action every day of the year.
This initiative is vital in addressing the alarming global prevalence of violence against women and children, which remains widespread despite numerous international conventions and national policies aimed at curbing such abuse. According to the United Nations, nearly one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, and the statistics for children, particularly girls, are similarly troubling. In response, governments around the world are stepping up their efforts, aligning their policies and resources to end violence against women and children.
Why Is This Important?
Violence against women and children is a pervasive and serious global issue that affects millions of lives. It undermines human dignity, equality, and the potential for sustainable development, posing significant challenges to both individuals and societies. The campaign emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to end this violence and uphold the rights of women and children.
The ongoing struggle against GBV affects not only the victims but entire communities and nations. It perpetuates cycles of poverty, limits opportunities for education and employment, and destabilizes families. Recognizing the importance of this issue is crucial for building a safer, more equitable world.
The figures surrounding gender-based violence are startling. On average, 140 women and girls are killed every day by someone in their own family. In 2023 alone, it is estimated that at least 51,100 women lost their lives to femicide, with over half of these deaths caused by intimate partners or family members. Such violence doesn’t only affect women physically but also has far-reaching consequences on their mental health, economic opportunities, and overall well-being. It also perpetuates gender inequality and impedes societal progress, making the 16 Days of Activism a crucial period for advocacy, reflection, and action.
What Are Governments Doing?
Governments worldwide have taken steps to combat GBV and protect the rights of women and children, as highlighted by recent actions from countries like Türkiye, South Africa, France, EU and the UK:
Turkiye’s Zero Tolerance for Violence Against Women:
The country has adopted a “zero-tolerance approach” to combat violence against women and girls, focusing on legal reforms, strategic frameworks, and comprehensive services. Turkey’s commitment includes raising awareness about the impact of conflict on women and advocating for international protection of women’s rights, especially in conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine. In regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar, Türkiye has called for prioritizing the rights of women and girls, reflecting its commitment to addressing the issue globally. By ensuring women’s participation in all spheres of life, Türkiye reinforces its dedication to eradicating GBV both domestically and internationally.
South Africa Mobilizing a Nation Against GBV and Femicide:
During the 16 Days of Activism, the Deputy President highlighted the alarming statistics of gender-based violence in the country, including femicide and sexual abuse. South Africa is implementing laws such as the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act. The government has also launched the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP GBVF), which focuses on prevention, strengthening institutional responses, and creating safe spaces for victims.
United Kingdom Tackling Technology-Facilitated GBV Globally:
The UK has launched initiatives targeting online violence and abuse, which disproportionately affects women and girls. The “Safe Online” project, with £27 million in funding, aims to support survivors, strengthen data collection, and collaborate with international partners to reduce the risks associated with online violence.
France
France has unveiled new measures to combat violence against women, including expanding hospital networks for reporting abuse and launching an awareness campaign on drug-facilitated sexual violence. Equality Minister Salima Saa emphasized the need for systemic change following public outrage over a mass rape trial in Mazan. The government will trial reimbursing drug detection kits and increase emergency aid for domestic violence victims. Despite a 10% budget rise to €85.1 million, activists demand €2.6 billion and stronger legal frameworks to address fragmented laws and systemic issues.
EU:
The European Union (EU) and its Member States in Tanzania reaffirm their commitment to ending violence against women and girls during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on November 25, 2024. This marks the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day for global action and advocacy against gender-based violence.
The EU stresses that GBV Is a universal issue affecting every country, with alarming statistics showing that one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In Tanzania, more than half of all women have suffered some form of violence, with intimate partner violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation, and social norms justifying violence being widespread.
This year’s theme, “CHAGUA” (to choose), emphasizes the importance of taking action every day to combat GBV. The EU encourages individuals, communities, and decision-makers to actively choose to fight against violence in all its forms—physical, psychological, and online. The call to action includes reporting violence, supporting victims, and advocating for stronger laws and justice mechanisms to protect women and girls.
The EU, with Its Member States in Tanzania, has invested over €200 million (545.2 billion Tanzanian Shillings) in gender equality and women’s empowerment. These efforts focus on addressing harmful social norms, supporting services for victims, expanding access to justice, and empowering women economically to break cycles of dependence. The EU also highlights the need for ongoing support from Tanzanian leadership, particularly in ensuring women’s safety during elections and guaranteeing their rights to participate freely and without violence.
The statement concludes with a call to stand together in preventing violence against women and girls, committing to action throughout the 16 Days of Activism and beyond.
Lyudmila Huseynova: A Voice for Survivors
Lyudmila Huseynova, a Ukrainian activist who survived torture and sexual violence during her imprisonment in a Russian prison, has become an influential voice for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. After enduring horrific abuse, Huseynova has turned her trauma into advocacy, working tirelessly to amplify the voices of those affected by violence in conflict zones. Through her work with SEMA Ukraine, Huseynova has raised global awareness about the atrocities faced by women and girls in war and has pushed for greater justice and recovery mechanisms for survivors. Her resilience and activism serve as a beacon of hope for many women enduring similar struggles worldwide.
A Collective Responsibility
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is a powerful reminder that the fight to end gender-based violence is far from over. Governments, organizations, and individuals must continue to advocate for stronger laws, better victim support systems, and a cultural shift toward zero tolerance for violence.
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