16 Days of activism against Gender-based violence

During youth exchanges, in which every volunteer takes part, we discuss a variety of topics, and gender equality is one of them. I remember a discussion from the last training about violence toward women and decided to get acknowledged about how action toward this problem has campaigned.

Approximately a third of women have been abused in their life. During crises, the numbers increase, as detected in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent humanitarian crises, conflicts, and climate disasters. A new report from UN Women, based on data from 13 countries since the pandemic, records that 2 in 3 women reported that they or a woman they know experienced some form of violence and are more likely to encounter food insecurity. Only 1 in 10 women stated that victims would go to the police for help.

Gender-based violence is not inevitable. It must be prevented. Stopping this violence starts with believing survivors, adopting comprehensive and inclusive approaches that tackle the root reasons, transforming destructive social norms, including women and girls empowerment. With the implementation of survivor-centered fundamental services across policing, justice, health, and social sectors, and adequate financing for the women’s rights agenda, we can cease gender-based violence. Whereas gender-based violence can happen to anyone and anywhere, some women and girls are particularly vulnerable. Among them are: young girls and older women, women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersex, migrants and refugees, indigenous and women of ethnic minorities, anyone living with HIV and disabilities, and those living through humanitarian crises.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and lasts until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was originated by activists at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

In support of this civil society initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE campaign) invites for global actions to raise awareness, stimulate advocacy efforts, and exchange knowledge and innovations. The global topic for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December 2021, is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”.

25 November has been planned as the Orange Day by the UNiTE to End Violence against Women Campaign. The orange color symbolizes a promising future, free of violence. It further serves as a method of expressing your solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence and it is consequently used as the color of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. As a display of solidarity, the UNESCO globe will be illuminated in orange color.

By joining the campaign, you can make a difference and participate in person or on social media using official materials from the UN. Feel free to start your personal conversation about gender-based violence using the hashtags: #GenerationEquality #orangetheworld #16days and #spreadtheword

In my opinion, we as an active young generation should not ignore the topic and share information with others who might be not that informed about gender-based violence. There are projects at centers that are aimed to help women in need after home-based violence, and it is possible to join one being as a volunteer for assistance.

Used resources:

https://www.unwomen.org/en

https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/eliminationofviolenceagainstwomenday/orangetheworld

https://trello.com/b/2n3wcRVJ/16-days-of-activism-2020

https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women