November 25, 2024 – Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day dedicated to raising awareness about gender-based violence and advocating for its eradication. This day also kicks off the #16Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign to prevent and end violence against women and girls—widely regarded as one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide.
Launched in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute and coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, this campaign runs annually from November 25 to December 10, which is Human Rights Day. The 16 days are a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments to unite in tackling this issue through advocacy, education, and concrete measures.
The Issue: A Global Crisis
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a grim reality, cutting across all cultural, economic, and social boundaries. The United Nations reports that an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three worldwide—have experienced intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their lives. This crisis has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered a "shadow pandemic" of domestic violence as lockdowns confined survivors with their abusers and disrupted access to critical support services.
Despite global progress in women’s rights, there is still a long way to go. The #16Days campaign underscores that there is #NoExcuse for such violence, calling on everyone to take collective action to create a safer, more equitable world.
This Year’s Focus
The theme for this year’s campaign is "Prevent, Protect, Empower," urging individuals and institutions to prioritize prevention, protect survivors, and empower women and girls to live free from violence. Governments, NGOs, and activists are hosting events, including educational workshops, media campaigns, and vigils, to spotlight the issue and amplify survivor voices.
Nepal’s Perspective
In Nepal, gender-based violence remains a significant challenge. According to the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, one in five women has experienced physical or sexual violence, mostly by intimate partners. The #16Days of Activism serves as a crucial platform for Nepalese communities to engage in dialogue, challenge societal norms, and promote gender equity.
Local organizations, government bodies, and international partners are collaborating on initiatives such as gender-sensitization workshops, safe shelters for survivors, and awareness programs aimed at preventing violence and supporting victims.
How You Can Participate
1. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the root causes and impacts of gender-based violence and share your knowledge with your community.
2. Speak Out: Challenge harmful stereotypes and call out abusive behavior when you see it.
3. Support Survivors: Donate to organizations providing shelter, counseling, and legal aid to survivors.
4. Advocate for Change: Encourage policymakers to enforce laws protecting women and girls and to hold perpetrators accountable.
This 16 Days of Activism is a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to end gender-based violence. As the campaign unfolds, let us commit to building a future where every woman and girl can live free from fear, violence, and oppression.
For updates, stories, and more resources, follow Ecosphere News as we continue to spotlight this vital cause. Together, we can make a difference.
