16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
The 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence (GBV) is an annual global campaign that runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 through December 10, which is International Human Rights Day. The campaign aims to raise awareness and generate action to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, commonly referred to as VAW in humanitarian spaces.
Why are the 16 Days of Activism important?
GBV is a global pandemic that affects one in three women and girls in their lifetime. It is a violation of human rights and has a devastating impact on the lives of women and girls, their families, and communities.
The 16 Days of Activism is a crucial time to mobilize individuals, governments, and CSOs to take action to end GBV. It serves as an opportunity to come together and amplify the voices of women and girls who have experienced violence, to demand accountability from perpetrators, and to build a world where all women and girls live free from violence.
In what ways has Vital Voices contributed to the fight to end gender-based violence?
Vital Voices has launched the Voices Against Violence (VAV): The Gender-Based Violence Global Initiative, a public-private partnership spearheaded by Vital Voices and supported by the U.S. State Department and the Avon Foundation. The program is aimed at providing support to victims and survivors of gender-based violence and harmful practices around the world. The consortium is comprised of Vital Voices, Promundo, CARE, and the Global Fund for Women and will work together to enhance the accessibility of services, protection, and well-deserved justice for victims and survivors of GBV.
This initiative aims to:
1. Increase access to global resources for survivors of extreme forms of GBV
- Under this objective, the VAV Initiative, through our Urgent Assistance Fund program, offers immediate financial support to help survivors of extreme forms of GBV and harmful practices meet their urgent needs in the aftermath of a violent event. Vital Voices has assisted 4,201 survivors through this program.
2. Improve protection and access to justice for survivors of GBV
- Under this objective, Vital Voices conducted Justice Institutes and specialized multi-disciplinary training for law enforcement and justice system actors to enhance protection for survivors of GBV and promote offender accountability. These training courses are offered globally and focus on a comprehensive approach to GBV.
3. Establish an international network to coordinate efforts around GBV
- Under this objective, the creation of a consortium brought together GBV stakeholders at regional events to foster dialogue and promote cooperation and innovation in the sector. In collaboration with its extensive global network of women leaders and other consortium members, Vital Voices aimed to develop a global directory of GBV resources, enabling survivors to quickly connect with support providers.
Follow @vitalvoices on social media for updates on this year’s 16 Days of Action and to get involved in our year-round efforts to end violence against women and girls. Together, we can create a world where women and girls are safe and free from harm.
Find Vital Voices Online:
- Facebook: facebook.com/vitalvoices
- X (Twitter): @vitalvoices
- Instagram: @vitalvoices
- LinkedIn: Vital Voices Global Partnership
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Written by the Communications Team at Vital Voices
