Every year, from November 25 to December 10, the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign that aims to raise awareness and mobilize action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
These dates were carefully selected to coincide with significant global milestones: November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and December 10th is the Human Rights Day when, in 1948, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted.
In 2008, the United Nations Secretary-General launched the campaign UNITE by 2030 to End Violence against Women, which runs parallel to the 16 Days of Activism. The goal is to create a global platform that highlights the need for gender equality and for the elimination of violence against women in all its forms, both at home and in the workplace. It serves as a powerful reminder that violence against women is not just a private issue, but a widespread social challenge that demands systemic change.
This year, UNITE campaign draws attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women under the theme, “Every 11 Minutes, one woman is killed and “UNITE to End Violence against Women.”
The efforts to combat violence against women is an ongoing struggle for the rights and dignity of every woman and man. Research and data continue to show the alarming prevalence of violence, with one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence, most often by an intimate partner. These numbers tell us about lives and realities of women whose potentials are stifled by violence and discrimination.
