16 Days of Activism: Being #RespectfullyDisruptive To End Gender-Based Violence

UN Women has launched its annual campaign on the International Day to End Violence against Women, marked on 25 November. Over the ensuing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global call is sounded for governments, institutions, and citizens to showcase their commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls. The campaign's focal point, under the theme "UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls," is championed by civil society groups worldwide and supported by the United Nations through the Secretary General’s initiative, UNITE by 2030 to End Violence against Women. 

Alarming statistics reveal that almost one in three women—736 million in total—have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their lives. Shockingly, 86 percent of women and girls live in countries lacking robust legal protection or in nations where data on gender-based violence are not readily available. Despite these troubling trends, financial commitments to violence prevention remain limited, highlighting the urgent need for global collaboration to address this pervasive issue. 

#16Days of Activism serves as a resounding call to end the most pervasive human rights violation worldwide—violence against women and girls. It rallies individuals and organizations to contribute, no matter how small the action, to the larger movement of preventing violence. Together, the aim is to build a world where #NoExcuse is accepted, and gender-based violence has no place. 

HeForShe is actively participating in the 16 Days of Activism by underscoring the need to be "respectfully disruptive" in the fight against gender-based violence. HeForShe advocates for a #RespectfullyDisruptive approach, challenging stereotypes, disrupting harmful behaviors, and fostering respectful dialogue to stand against gender-based violence. There is #NoExcuse for violence, and a collective effort is required to challenge societal norms and behaviors that perpetuate gender-based violence. 

In aligning with the broader campaign theme, HeForShe emphasizes the need for investment in violence prevention as a crucial step toward achieving gender equality. By joining forces with UN Women during the 16 Days of Activism, HeForShe is making a bold statement: it is time to unite, invest, and take meaningful action to end gender-based violence and create a world where every individual can live free from fear and violence. 

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