Every year, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence campaign (25 November – 10 December) inspires people around the World to learn, reflect and take action to end violence against women. This year, the global campaign marks its 30th year.

Nearly 1 in 3 women have been abused in their lifetime. In times of rises, the numbers rise, as seen during 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, shows that 2 in 3 women reported that they or a woman they know experienced some form of violence and are more likely to face food insecurity. Only 1 in 10 women said that victims would go to the police for help.

Stopping this violence starts with believing survivors, adopting comprehensive and inclusive approaches that tackle the root causes, transform harmful social norms, and empower women and girls. With survivor-centred essential services across policing, justice, health, and social sectors, and sufficient financing fort he women’s rights agenda, we can end gender-based violence.

Why is it called “Orange The World’’

The color orange symbolizes a brighter future, free of violence. It also serves as a means of demonstrating your solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence and it is therefore used as the color of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

How did 16 days of activism start?

16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. It was initiated in 1991 by the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute, held by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University.

 

Sources: UN WOMEN 

https://un-women.medium.com/from-16-days-of-activism-to-365-days-of-action-to-end-gender-based-violence-763103de7739

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/in-focus/2021/11/in-focus-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence?gclid=Cj0KCQiA7oyNBhDiARIsADtGRZZNrwoDxKRcIvz4iTzJ212Hpd3AwPtMFEDrXM3EzV-pYPBH37ObyO4aAl2sEALw_wcB

 

Special thanks to Burak Keşanlıoğlu from our Communication Committee!