16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: A Global Call to Courage, Change, and Collective Action

Every year, from 25th November to 10th December, the world unites for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This is an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness, uplifting survivors, and pushing for meaningful change to societal responses to violence against women and girls.

It is a call to action, a reminder of our shared responsibility, and an invitation to create a world where safety, dignity and equality are not privileges, but rights.

A Global Movement Rooted in Activism 

Notably, the Ghandi Development Trust and The UN highlight that the 16 Days campaign began in 1991, CWGL shares that the campaign was initiated by feminist activists who gathered at the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute, hosted by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership at Rutgers University. Their goal was clear: connect gender-based violence with human rights and spark global mobilisation.

Since then, the campaign has grown into a worldwide movement supported by United Nations agencies, WHO, civil society groups, governments, youth movements, and millions of individuals working toward a future free from gender-based violence.

The dates, from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) to Human Rights Day (10 December), were intentionally chosen to symbolise that violence against women is a fundamental human rights issue.

Why These 16 Days Matter

Gender-based violence is one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally. According to the WHO, 1 in 3 women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Rates are even higher for women of colour, migrant women, LGBTQ+ individuals, women with disabilities, and those living in conflict zones.

GBV does not only harm individuals – it fractures communities, economies, and future generations.

These 16 days invite us to:

• Break the silence
• Challenge harmful norms and attitudes
• Hold institutions accountable
• Support survivors with compassion and dignity
• Educate ourselves and others
• Stand in solidarity with women everywhere

Encouraging Women to Speak Out — and Supporting Them When They Do

Speaking out about abuse is an act of courage. Too often, women fear being stigmatised, being judged, doubted, blamed, or silenced. Breaking these barriers requires a community that listens without judgment and responds with empathy and action.

Here are powerful truths to share and amplify:

1. You are not alone.

Millions of women have lived through similar experiences. There is strength and healing in solidarity.

2. Your voice matters.

Your story has the power to challenge shame, shift cultural norms, and inspire others.

3. Help exists, and you deserve it.

Whether through local support lines, shelters, counselling services or community networks, there are people ready to support you.

4. Speaking out can influence change.

When survivors speak, societies must listen. Policy shifts, awareness movements, and education campaigns have all been shaped by brave voices demanding better.

What We Can All Do Beyond the 16 Days

• Believe survivors.
• Challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours.
• Sexist jokes, victim-blaming language, and dismissive comments all reinforce cultures of violence.
• Learn about consent, trauma, relationships, and power dynamics.
• Support organisations doing the work.
• Advocate for stronger laws and better implementation.
• Teach the next generation. Violence is preventable—and the greatest prevention begins with education and modelling healthy, respectful relationships.

The 16 Days of Activism is about igniting hope. With this Universal Approach, Change is happening. Laws are improving, awareness is spreading, and more survivors are finding their voices and taking back their power.

Let these 16 days inspire us to build a world where: women are safe, survivors are supported, abusers are held accountable, and equality is non-negotiable.