Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most widespread human rights violations globally. Each year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign serves as a rallying call to end violence against women and girls. We reached out to our Youth Collective members to learn about their grassroots efforts.

From November 25 to December 10, 2024, Pacuwa Development Initiative Uganda, IYAWO Association, the Rising Child Foundation, Gender Equality Club Nigeria, Women Welfare Foundation, Girls Empowered by Travel, She Soars, MOH CHIZENJE RHC, Nigeria Health Watch, Action for Youth Foundation Trust, Synergy Save Africa (SESA), and the Afar Community Initiative Sustainable Development Association (ACISDA) united to organize a range of activities commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The campaign lasted two weeks, blending digital advocacy with on-the-ground activities in Zambia, Uganda, Nepal, Nigeria, Malawi, and Togo’s cities of Lomé and Kara, as well as on online platforms.

We covered a glimpse of the programmes held in local regions during the 16 days of activism.

Field Activities and Community Engagement

• IYAWO Association spearheaded door-to-door sensitisation campaigns in Togo’s Lomé and Kara regions. Volunteers visited households to discuss the dangers of GBV and shared information about available resources. Additionally, the association facilitated online and community dialogues with religious leaders to foster understanding and commitment to combating GBV.
• Rising Child Foundation hosted a Solidarity Breakfast to create a safe space for survivors of GBV. This event allowed survivors to share their experiences, connect with others, and receive emotional support, fostering a sense of community and healing.
• Gender Equality Club Nigeria organized a road rally in Gboko, during which participants carried banners and placards advocating gender equality. The club also engaged young people through adolescent football games, with pre- and post-match sensitisation sessions promoting mutual respect and gender equality.
• Women Welfare Foundation facilitated collaborative sessions with local police and municipal authorities in Bhaktapur, Nepal. These meetings focused on improving law enforcement responses to GBV cases, including the establishment of anonymous reporting mechanisms.
• ACISDA conducted interactive dramas and roadshows in Ethiopia’s Chifera Woreda/District. These activities highlighted the dangers of FGM/C practices and encouraged community-driven solutions to end such harmful traditions.
• Synergy Save Africa (SESA) participated in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, promoting awareness, economic empowerment, and mental health support. Engaging 3,000 people, it surpassed its goal, recorded three GBV cases, and conducted counseling through “SESA LOVES YOU LAB.” SESA emphasized community engagement and men’s role in prevention.
• Girls Empowered by Travel organised a one-day hike on 7th December, bringing hikers together to take a stand against Gender-Based Violence. The hike witnessed enthusiastic participation, meaningful engagement, and a strong commitment to this important cause!
• Digital Campaign and Media Engagement: Restless Development campaign leveraged social media platforms to share articles, videos, and personal stories using hashtags such as #16Days, #OrangeTheWorld, and #EndGBV.

• Check out some of these  impactful videos:

• Awareness Video
• Vox Pop Video

Actions World Leaders Must Take to End Gender-Based Violence

World leaders play a crucial role in ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by implementing transformative actions. They must enact and enforce comprehensive laws to prevent GBV, protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable. Ratifying and operationalizing international agreements, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), is essential to align global efforts. Reforming discriminatory laws that perpetuate practices like child marriage or marital rape is a fundamental step.

I would like world leaders to take urgent and decisive action to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by implementing and enforcing comprehensive laws that protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. This includes providing accessible support services such as shelters, legal aid, and mental health care for survivors. – Patrick from Pacuwa Development Initiative Uganda

Additionally, leaders should prioritize policies and programs, such as creating national action plans for GBV prevention and allocating adequate funding for survivor support services, including shelters, legal aid, and healthcare. Investing in education, particularly on gender equality, and integrating GBV prevention into curricula from a young age can challenge harmful societal norms. Empowering women-led and youth-led organizations, along with grassroots movements, through financial and technical support fosters local solutions to GBV.

Community engagement is equally vital. Promoting positive masculinity and involving men and boys as allies in prevention efforts can address the root causes of GBV. Leaders must also establish robust accountability mechanisms to ensure justice for survivors and monitor the progress of GBV prevention initiatives.

Global collaboration and partnerships with civil society, media, and smaller organizations enhance the reach and sustainability of anti-GBV campaigns. By supporting community-level initiatives that educate, advocate, and provide resources, world leaders can ensure that GBV is addressed as a human rights priority, bringing safety and empowerment to women and girls worldwide.

The Role of Donors in Ending Gender-Based Violence

Donors play a key role in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by funding grassroots and community-based initiatives. Priorities include long-term investment in education, prevention programs, and support services; empowering women-led organizations; and addressing the needs of marginalized groups. Flexible funding enables locally tailored solutions, while infrastructure development creates safe spaces such as shelters and GBV centers. Community education that engages men and youth promotes gender equality, and capacity-building strengthens grassroots efforts. Accountability measures ensure effective use of resources, supporting research and evidence-based policies. These actions collectively create impactful and sustainable solutions to end GBV and support survivors.

By combining online campaigns with local activities, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign highlighted the need for community support, help for survivors, and better laws to prevent violence. Organisations around the world worked together to raise awareness and encourage change. As the campaign ends, it’s important to keep the momentum going by supporting survivors, promoting equality, and working towards a future where everyone can live safely and without fear. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all 34 Youth Collective Members who took meaningful action to address violence against women in their communities. The efforts are a source of hope and inspiration for change. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to this vital cause.