Every year millions of women and girls worldwide suffer some form of violence, be it domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation, dowry-related killing, trafficking, sexual violence in conflict-related situations or other manifestations of abuse.
Globally, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence at some point in her life. In the Pacific, that percentage more than doubles. No country is immune from violence against women and girls, or exempt from the responsibility to put an end to it.
It is not a women’s issue, it’s everybody’s issue and everyone has a part to play in eliminating it.
The 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence campaign runs every year from International Day for Eliminating Violence against Women and Girls on November 25 until Human Rights Day on December 10. It is a chance for the United Nations, governments, civil society organisations and communities to come together to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of violence against women and girls, celebrate the progress we’ve made so far, launch initiatives and take action at all levels to help prevent and eliminate such violence once and for all.
During this period, Pacific countries will be joining the rest of the world in holding a number of events and activities, and on this website you’ll find details on how you can get involved. Don’t forget to wear orange to show your support and solidarity for creating safer communities for everyone.
Check out photos from 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence around the Pacific
END IT NOW! 