Recognise, respond and support this 16 Days of Activism.
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the first of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
As we spend the next few weeks advocating for safer futures and paying homage to the activists who have paved the way for us, it’s important to remember where it all started.
On 25 November 1960, three sisters and political activists – Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa Mirabel – were murdered after opposing the violence and cruelty occurring under a dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. The sister's murder became a symbol of feminist resistance and sparked so much public outrage, that the day was officially recognised as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Then, in 1991 the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence was born, starting on the anniversary of their murder and ending 16 days later, on World Human Rights Day, to recognise that gender-based violence is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights.
It takes all of us to come together to stand against violence, so we build a future that is free from gender-based violence.
The most important thing you can do this 16 Days of Activism is take action.
Over the next two weeks, we’ll be sharing tips about how to recognise gender-based violence and teach you what red flags to look out for. We’ll show you how to safely respond when you see gender-based violence happening in your community and importantly, we’ll share resources on how best to support someone who might be experiencing it.
Everyone has the right to a safe future. Join us in coming together and standing against gender-based violence - we’ll show you how!
To join our community and access more 16 Days resources, sign up to our mailing list here.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can find services to help you here.
