Every year, from 25 November to 10 December, communities around the world come together for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This is our opportunity to speak up for those who have lost their voice, and to prevent others from losing theirs. It’s time to stand up against violence towards women and girls and to create safer spaces for all.
In this blog, we’ll explore why the 16 Days matter. We’ll highlight the history and purpose behind it, and we’ll share how you can get involved.
What is the Theme for 2025’s 16 Days of Activism?
UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.
This year’s theme reminds us that abuse isn’t confined to physical spaces. Our online lives are equally vulnerable and must be protected, too. From harassment and trolling to doxxing and nonconsensual sharing of images, digital abuse is here. It’s real, pervasive and deeply harmful.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism is to bring the seriousness of this type of abuse to the forefront. To call out online platforms and companies for ensuring their users are safe, and to provide accessible information on how to keep yourself safe online.
How the 16 Days of Activism Came About
The first-ever 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence began in 1991. Engineered by the initial Women’s Global Leadership Institute (CWGL) at Rutgers University in New Jersey, it has evolved into a global campaign. Over 6,000 organisations across 187 countries have participated in the 16 Days since its inception.
The dates play a key role in the campaign. 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. 10 December is Human Rights Day. Two significant dates that support our mission in ending gender-based violence. As well as addressing the importance of everyone’s right to live safely and free from fear or harm.
The Purpose Behind 16 Days of Activism
Like all of our efforts, the 16 Days of Activism aims to help end gender-based violence. It also helps to:
Promote Online Safety
This year, the focus is on keeping individuals safe in digital spaces. Here, vulnerabilities and fear can be amplified while the perpetrator hides behind a screen. By switching our profiles to private, limiting the information we share, and reporting anything suspicious, we can help make the digital world a safer place.
Raise Awareness & Shift Mindsets
A consistent period of action keeps our mission at the forefront of everyone’s minds. It attracts attention, which in turn helps broaden our audience and, therefore, public understanding. Violence against women and girls is not an individual issue; it’s a cultural and systemic one. We are in this together.
Hold Institutions Accountable
This year’s theme holds more weight when it comes to businesses and authorities taking action – nearly every institute has an online presence, and therefore, a responsibility for the safety of their users. Governments, tech companies, social media platforms, workplaces and education centres all need to do their part.
Strengthen Communities
The 16 Days campaign encourages local events to take place. From open forums and conversations, seminars and training courses, book readings, marches and vigils, these 16 days spark a sense of unity; together, we can make positive change.
Give a Voice to Survivors
If survivors are unsure where and who to reach out to, these 16 days create space for women, non-binary, and trans individuals to be heard. Domestic abuse affects everyone differently. This is an opportunity to listen to their experiences and identify gaps where violence still takes hold.
How You Can Get Involved with 16 Days of Activism
Whether you’re a regular supporter of this campaign or this is your first experience with 16 Days of Activism, there are many ways you can get involved at a level you are comfortable with.
Reclaim the Night
Most towns will host a ‘Reclaim the Night’ march. This is an organised event where everyone is welcome. The aim is to collectively demonstrate our defiance against violence towards women. As well as defending our right to safely walk the streets without the fear of verbal, physical or sexual harm. Check with your local authority to find out when and where yours is being held.
Join Local Events
Look out for local events in your home town. Cafes, libraries, domestic abuse charities, colleges, and universities often host these events, which can include pop-up stalls, seminars, book readings, and marches. If you don’t spot any, why not hold your own?
Be an Ally
Raise Awareness
Listen out for those seeking help, and if you can, support survivors. Listen without judgment, be patient and kind, and help them find local resources when needed. If it’s safe to do so, call out derogatory or harassing behaviour in social spaces or online. You can also use this time to research, learn and hear stories promoting the end of gender-based violence.
There are easy ways to show your support. Follow advocates leading the change against gender-based violence, like posts, and share credible statistics, facts or stories. Most importantly, report any concerning content or threatening behaviour you spot online and push for tech platforms and online communities to strengthen their efforts in online safety.
This campaign gives us the chance to connect voices and stories to hearts and people. We can demand that local institutions respond and show visible solidarity with survivors – every poster, march, and conversation matters.
Contact Eve
Here at Eve, we have a team of fully trained individuals who you can contact 24/7 for domestic abuse-related matters. We provide supportive solutions, constructive training for businesses, and safe refuge for female victims and children affected by domestic abuse.
Contact times and support available for domestic abuse-related matters:
- 9am -5pm – Helpline: General enquiries, information, advice and guidance
- 5pm – 9am – Out of Hours Emergency Support
- 9am – 10pm – Silent Solutions, text or email
