Break The Silence, End Violence: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

• The theme for this year’s 16 Days campaign ‘Unite For Her: Break the Silence, End the Violence’, is a timely campaign as it will amplify awareness about GBV.
• This year’s objective is to mobilise individuals, communities and institutions to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls, promoting a culture of peace, justice and human rights.
• It’s a time to stand in solidarity with survivors, challenge systemic inequality and demand action from governments and institutions.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a global campaign that calls for united efforts to combat one of the most pervasive human rights violations on the face of the world.

Running annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10 (Human Rights Day), the campaign serves as a powerful reminder that Gender Based Violence undermines societal progress and violates basic human dignity.

Despite years of advocacy and action, GBV remains a crisis that demands urgent attention and sustained efforts.

This article explores the campaign’s significance, the challenges faced, the progress achieved, and the actions we must take to create a world free of violence and inequality.

The Current Impact of GBV

Gender based violence is rooted in systemic inequality and affects millions worldwide, particularly women and girls.

It manifests in various forms, including physical violence (domestic abuse, assaults and femicide); sexual violence (rape, sexual harassment and trafficking); psychological violence (emotional abuse, coercion and intimidation) and economic violence which entails financial control and denial of resources.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated GBV, with reports of domestic violence rising sharply as lockdowns trapped survivors with their abusers. UN Women aptly termed this the “shadow pandemic.” Beyond immediate harm, GBV has long-term consequences, including trauma, lost economic opportunities and the perpetuation of gender inequalities.

Unite For Her

The theme for this year’s 16 Days campaign ‘Unite For Her: Break the Silence, End the Violence’, is a timely campaign as it will amplify awareness about GBV.

The mission is to empower women and girls by providing them with a platform to speak out against violence, fostering solidarity and support among survivors and promoting the importance of breaking the silence around abuse.

The goal is to encourage communities to take collective action to end violence, support survivors and create a safer environment for all women and girls.

Through education, resources and shared stories, the initiative works to challenge harmful social norms and drive cultural and policy changes towards ending violence against women.

This year’s objective is to mobilise individuals, communities and institutions to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls, promoting a culture of peace, justice and human rights.

Over 60 countries are participating in this campaign to promote awareness between the women and girl child.

Progress Against GBV

Significant strides have been made globally to address GBV, namely:

  1. Polices

Many countries have introduced laws addressing domestic violence, sexual harassment and human trafficking. For instance, the Istanbul Convention provides a comprehensive framework for preventing violence against women and protecting survivors.

2. Global campaigns:

Initiatives like the UNITE to End Violence Against Women campaign have raised awareness and mobilised resources to combat GBV.

  3. Grassroot movements:

Organisations working at the community level play a crucial role in providing shelter, counseling, and legal assistance to survivors.

Despite these achievements, challenges persist. Many survivors lack access to justice, resources for support services remain inadequate and harmful cultural norms continue to perpetuate violence.

Ending GBV requires collective action and men and boys are essential allies in this fight. Challenging toxic masculinity and promoting respectful relationships are crucial steps toward dismantling systems of oppression. Initiatives that engage men in advocacy, education and mentorship can transform societal attitudes and create lasting change.

The 16 Days campaign is an opportunity for everyone to play a role in combating GBV. Here are ways to get involved:

1.Raising awareness:

Using social media platforms to share facts, survivor stories, and resources. Campaign hashtags #UniteForHer and #16DaysofActivism amplify the message.

 2.Academic outreach:

Partnering with universities and schools to integrate gender-based violence awareness into curricula and organize workshops, seminars and lectures.

3.Supporting survivors:

Donate to organisations working directly with survivors, such as shelters, hotlines, and legal aid services. Volunteer your time to these causes where possible.

 4.Community engagements:

Collaborations with local organisations, community groups and faith-based institutions to host events, rallies and awareness programs.

Meanwhile, storytelling is a powerful tool for breaking the silence surrounding GBV. When the stories of survivors are shared, with consent, they can educate the public, inspire change and build empathy.

Media outlets have a responsibility to report on GBV ethically, avoiding sensationalism and prioritising survivor dignity.

Additionally, creative forms of expression, such as poetry, music and visual arts can raise awareness and inspire solidarity. The arts provide a unique avenue for survivors to share their experiences and advocate for justice.

The 16 Days campaign is more than a yearly observance, it’s a call to action for a global transformation and peace.

By amplifying survivor voices and fostering collective accountability, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of gender lives free from violence and always happy.

To achieve this vision, we must invest in education that promotes gender equality, strengthen legal systems to protect survivors and challenge cultural practices that perpetuate inequality.

Ending GBV against women and girls is not an impossible goal. It requires sustained effort, collaboration and a commitment to justice and equality for all. As individuals, communities, and nations, we must recognise that violence is never inevitable it is preventable.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: SURVIVOR: I overcame Gender Based Violence to tell a story

The UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence reminds us of the work still to be done to eliminate this global injustice.

It’s a time to stand in solidarity with survivors, challenge systemic inequality and demand action from governments and institutions.

By amplifying voices and driving change, we can create a safer, more equitable world for everyone. Together, let us stand together to foster our commitment to ending gender-based violence and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight for justice.

The time for action is now. #UniteForHer.