16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: More Than a Campaign

Every year from 25 November to 10 December, the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence — a global campaign aimed at raising awareness and driving action against violence towards women and children.

But for millions of survivors, this is not a campaign.
It is a reality they live with every single day.

Gender-Based Violence does not disappear when the campaign ends. It does not take a break after 10 December. It happens in homes, schools, churches, workplaces, taxis, and communities that are supposed to be safe.

Violence Against Women Is a Human Rights Crisis

The 16 Days links two important international days:
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) and
Human Rights Day 

This connection carries deep meaning. Because violence against women is not just a social problem — it is a human rights violation.

Every act of abuse strips a woman of her:

• Dignity

• Freedom

• Safety

• Right to live without fear

And yet, too often, survivors are forced into silence while perpetrators walk free.

Awareness Without Action Is Useless

Over the years, we have seen many marches, orange ribbons, hashtags and speeches.

But awareness means nothing if it does not come with accountability.

We must ask the uncomfortable questions:
Why do Gender-Based Violence cases take years to conclude?
Why are survivors interrogated instead of supported?
Why does society still blame victims?
Why are dangerous men allowed to move freely among us?

Until these answers bring change, awareness alone is not enough.

Communities Must Become Spaces of Protection

Government cannot fight this battle alone.
Real change begins in communities.

It starts when:

• Families stop protecting abusers

• Churches stop silencing victims

• Men take responsibility and speak against violence

• Neighbours stop “minding their own business”

• Survivors are supported instead of judged

GBV thrives in silence.
It survives in fear.
It grows in communities that look away.

This Is Not Just a 16-Day Issue

The danger is thinking this is just a seasonal campaign.

What happens on day 17?
Do the posters come down?
Do the hashtags disappear?
Do we go back to normal?

Because for survivors, there is no “normal” after abuse.

The 16 Days of Activism must not be a calendar event.
It must be a daily commitment to protecting women and children.

A Call to Action

This campaign requires more than online posts.

It needs:

• Communities willing to stand up

• Men willing to change behaviour

• Leaders willing to act

• Systems willing to protect victims

• Citizens unwilling to stay silent

Because violence does not end with awareness.
It ends with action.