The History of the 16 Days of Activism
By Joy Veroti
Every year, from November 25 to December 10, a global campaign known as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Violence galvanizes individuals and organizations around the world to take a stand against violence towards women and girls. This period is not just a series of dates on a calendar but a powerful movement with a rich history rooted in advocacy, solidarity, and the relentless pursuit of human rights.
Origins of the Movement
The 16 Days of Activism began in 1991 at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute, organized by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University, USA. Activists and leaders from different countries convened to discuss ways to eliminate gender-based violence and promote women’s rights. The idea was to use this 16-day period as a strategic time frame to draw attention to issues of inequality and violence that women face worldwide.
Significant Dates With Campaign
The choice of dates is symbolic and intentional. It starts on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concludes on December 10, Human Rights Day. This linkage underscores the message that violence against women is a violation of human rights. Other significant dates within this period include:
November 29: International Women Human Rights Defenders Day
- December 1: World AIDs Day
- December 6: Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, where 14 women were killed in an act of gender-based violence in 1989
These dates provide focal points for advocacy and education, highlighting various aspects of gender-based violence and its intersection with other global issues.
Global Expansion and Impact
Since its inception, the campaign has grown exponentially. Organizations, governments, and individuals from over 187 countries participate annually, using the 16 Days to raise awareness, influence policy, and create a shared global voice against gender-based violence.
Initiatives during this period range from grassroots workshops and educational programs to high-profile events and social media campaigns. Landmarks and buildings are often lit in orange (the official colour of the campaign) to symbolize a brighter future without violence.
Themes and Advocacy
Each year, the United Nations designated a specific theme to focus global attention on particular aspects of gender-based violence. Past themes have included;
- “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect! Emphasizing the need for resources and data to combat violence.”
- “Leave No One Behind: End violence against women and Girls” highlights the importance of inclusivity in advocacy efforts.
These themes help unify global actions and provide direction for local initiatives.
Challenges and Ongoing Efforts
Despite significant progress, gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue. According to UN Women, one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this problem, leading to a “shadow pandemic” of increased domestic violence due to lockdowns and economic stress.
The 16 Days of Activism serves as a critical reminder of the work that remains. It calls for continued advocacy, stronger legal frameworks, better support systems for survivors, and a cultural shift towards zero tolerance for violence.
The history of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a testament to the power of coordinated global action. What began as a small gathering of activists has transformed into a worldwide movement that continues to challenge norms, influence policy, and inspire individuals to take a stand.
As each year passes, the campaign not only honors the resilience of survivors but also mobilizes new generations to advocate for equality and human rights. The 16 Days serve as a rallying cry that echoes beyond the two weeks, reminding us all that the fight against gender-based violence is continuous and that collective action can lead to transformative change.
Join the Movement
Participation in the 16 Days of Activism can take many forms:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Attend workshops, read up on the issues, and share information within your community.
- Advocate for change: support policies and legislation that protect women’s right and provide resources for survivors.
- Support Organization: Volunteer or donate to organization working to end gender-based violence.
- Use your voice: Leverage social media to raise awareness using hashtags like #16Days and #OrangeTheWorld.
