From November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), we come together to raise our voices for the 16 Days of Activism to Eliminate Violence against Women and Girls. This campaign is a call to action to confront and end violence in all its forms, ensuring that women and girls everywhere can live free from fear, harm, and injustice.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread, persistent human rights violations. 1 in 3 women globally experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. During the pandemic, rates of domestic violence surged, underscoring the need for urgent, collective action.
- Increase in domestic violence: The pandemic exacerbated violence against women and girls due to lockdowns, isolation, and financial strain. Countries like France, Argentina, and Singapore reported increases in emergency calls related to domestic violence of over 25-40% in the first months of the pandemic.
- UN Women Report (2021): Over 50% of women in several countries reported that they or someone they know had experienced violence since the pandemic started.
Today, violence against girls continue, with :
- Child marriage: Globally, 12 million girls are married each year before the age of 18. Progress in reducing child marriage has slowed significantly over the past 5 years, with the pandemic adding millions of girls at risk of early marriage.
- Female genital mutilation (FGM): 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM, with countries like Somalia reporting over 90% prevalence rates among girls aged 15 to 49.
Let’s use these 16 days to:
- Raise awareness: Share stories, statistics, and resources to help shed light on the issue.
- Support survivors: Listen to and amplify the voices of survivors, and offer support through donations or volunteering with local shelters and organizations.
- Advocate for change: Call for stronger laws, better enforcement, and expanded services to protect women and girls from violence.
- Wear orange: Join the global movement by wearing orange, the color representing a brighter future without violence.
Support SISEAP in its 16 Days of Activism to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls Live Event on 26 November 2024.
Together, we can end the silence, dismantle harmful norms, and create a safer, more just world for women and girls. Every voice matters, and every action counts. Let’s make these 16 days a catalyst for lasting change.
