16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

White Ribbon Day on 25 November

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that runs from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10th December, Human Rights Day. Find out more here.

IDAS have developed a range of resources and tools to show the different ways in which women and girls experience abuse and violence. These have been developed to raise awareness and are free for use during the 16 days and throughout the year.

Gauri Taylor-Nayar, a local Preacher and an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, shares how we can help those who have been affected here.

#ChangeTheStory for women and girls

Violence experienced by women and girls takes many forms. Some behaviours and words may seem ‘harmless’ but normalising them ignores the short- and long-term effects on women and can lead to more extreme violence.

Violence against women and girls can happen anywhere and takes many forms – from sexist jokes online to harassing behaviours on the train. Some behaviours may be dismissed as ‘small’ or ‘low-level’ acts: sharing sexist ‘jokes’ at work or in group chats; catcalling women in the street; or harassing women on a night out.

These all contribute towards creating a culture of fear and misogyny that encourages violence and abuse against women. In spaces where these behaviours are normalised, it can lead to more extreme cases of violence.