It’s almost time for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The international campaign starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day. The campaign aims to raise awareness and increase the prevention of violence against women and girls. This year’s theme is ‘UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls’.

The campaign was started by activists at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. The 16 Days are used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

The campaign includes a range of international, national and local events, such as conferences, marches, film screenings and community engagement events. You can search below to see a range of international, national and local events taking place during the 16 Days. Look out for #16DaysSussex and #16Days on social media to see more events happening near you and around the world.

White Ribbon Day

The 25 November is also White Ribbon Day, which aims to engage men and boys in the prevention of violence against women and girls. The White Ribbon campaign is calling on  organisations and individuals to help #ChangeTheStory for women and girls. There are lots of ways to get involved:

  • Make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls. It’s quick and easy to do and symbolises your commitment to #ChangeTheStory for women and girls. If you’ve already made the White Ribbon Promise, encourage others in your life to do so too.

 

  • Wear a White Ribbon, the international symbol of ending men’s violence against women. You can buy White Ribbons here.

 

  • Fundraise to support White Ribbon UK, the leading charity working with men and boys to end men’s violence against women and girls. White Ribbon works to empower men to challenge harmful cultures and restrictive gender norms so women can live full lives, unrestricted by the fear of violence. Providing spaces to talk about White Ribbon’s aims in schools, at work, and with your friends, is an incredibly powerful way to affect change.

 

  • If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the new #WhyIFundraise series to meet a few of the incredible people raising awareness and funds on behalf of White Ribbon UK in their communities.

 

  • Donate to White Ribbon UK.

 

  • Become a change maker and join a diverse network of allies. White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions are individuals who’ve decided to take their commitment to ending men’s violence against women and girls to the next level.

 

  • Get your organisation involved. Workplaces can affect real change for men and women by becoming White Ribbon Accredited and Supporter Organisations.