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Global Solidarity for Change: Ending Gender-Based Violence in the 16 Days of Activism

 

Every year, from November 25 to December 10, the world unites for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that spans International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Human Rights Day. For 16 days, we reflect on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV), but more importantly, we act. This campaign is a call to action, a call for global solidarity, and a call to finally end the violence that continues to shatter the lives of millions of women and girls worldwide. Voices for Democracy and Justice takes part in this event, standing alongside global activists, survivors, and communities to amplify the demand for justice and equality.

This year, we come together not just to raise awareness but to demand accountability and change. From physical abuse to digital harassment, from cultural practices that perpetuate violence to institutional failures that allow it to persist, GBV manifests in countless forms and affects women and girls everywhere. But so does the collective strength of those working to end it.

 

Why We Need Global Solidarity

While the fight to end gender-based violence is ongoing, one truth remains clear: solidarity is essential. Solidarity means recognizing that no matter where a woman or girl is in the world, whether in rural communities, urban cities, or online spaces, she deserves safety, dignity, and justice. GBV is a global pandemic and it will take a united, global effort to eradicate it.

The 16 Days of Activism is not only about raising awareness for these 16 days, it’s about igniting a global movement that extends beyond this time frame, sparking lasting change. Women and girls everywhere are living with the scars of violence. Whether it’s the unspoken trauma of sexual violence, the emotional toll of intimate partner violence, or the far-reaching impact of online abuse, the toll on their lives is immense. This is why global solidarity is critical.

It’s not enough to raise our voices for just a few days; the urgency must be constant. Survivors must be at the center of our efforts. Their experiences and stories must drive the policies, actions, and advocacy that will change the systems that allow violence to persist.

 

The Role of Global Advocacy and Collective Action

The path to ending gender-based violence requires systemic change, but it also requires individual action. Each of us has a role to play. Activists, survivors, community leaders, policymakers, and allies must stand together to demand reforms in the legal, social, and cultural systems that perpetuate violence. Global advocacy efforts must push for policies that protect women and girls in every part of the world from more robust legal protections to increased funding for support services like shelters and counseling.

The voices of survivors must be amplified. Voices for Democracy and Justice is a platform dedicated to just that giving survivors the opportunity to share their narratives, ensuring they are heard, and advocating for the changes they need. Whether through public awareness campaigns, social media action, or grassroots organizing, it’s essential that we continue to raise our voices in solidarity with those who have been silenced.

 

The truth is that gender-based violence is a global issue. No country, community, or institution is exempt from the effects of this violence. Whether it’s domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or online abuse, the violence against women and girls is not isolated, it is interconnected. That is why global solidarity is so important: we must not only fight for those in our immediate communities but also reach out and extend our solidarity to every woman and girl affected by violence, no matter where she lives.

 

A Global Call to End Violence: From Policy to Action

Global solidarity in the fight against GBV also means policy action. Governments worldwide must commit to legal reforms that ensure all women and girls are protected from violence. International frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women must be upheld, and national laws should reflect a zero-tolerance policy for any form of violence.

However, policy alone is not enough. Implementation is key. Laws must be enforced. Shelters, helplines, and counseling services must be fully funded and accessible to those in need. The work of advocacy groups must be supported and expanded, especially those run by and for survivors.

Moreover, we must address the cultural and societal attitudes that normalize or even justify violence. Ending GBV requires a cultural shift — one that redefines power dynamics, challenges patriarchal norms, and promotes gender equality. It’s essential that we work with men and boys as allies in this struggle, educating them about the role they play in preventing violence and fostering a culture of respect and consent.

 

Hope Through Action: Survivors Leading the Way

At Voices for Democracy and Justice, we believe that survivors are not just victims  they are leaders, educators, and agents of change. Their voices are the most powerful tools in advocating for an end to GBV. When survivors share their stories, they not only help others heal but also challenge the societal structures that perpetuate violence.

By sharing these stories — through written words, videos, art, and other forms of expression, we create space for collective healing and action. It is through these narratives that we come to understand the depth of violence and the breadth of its impact. But it is also through these narratives that we find solutions: healing, empowerment, and justice.

Survivors are reclaiming their power, and in doing so, they are creating a world where women and girls can live free from fear. It is time we support them in every way we can — by listening, by amplifying their voices, and by working to dismantle the systems that enable violence to continue.

 

Global Voices on Ending GBV

As part of the global conversation, it’s crucial to listen to the voices of women around the world. Here are three perspectives on ending gender-based violence from women in Nigeria, Madagascar, and the United States:

 

Amara Okafor, a women’s rights advocate in Nigeria, says:
“In Nigeria, violence against women remains a deeply rooted issue, from domestic violence to harmful traditional practices. But the power of solidarity among women, particularly through grassroots movements, has been a beacon of hope. When we unite, we send a clear message that violence is not our destiny  we deserve justice and safety.”

 

Fanja Ravaonirina, a social activist from Madagascar, shares:
“In Madagascar, many women are trapped in abusive relationships because of economic dependence and social pressure. We need not only legal reforms but also community-based solutions. Ending GBV requires education, access to resources, and the empowerment of women to stand up and speak out. Change comes from both the law and the heart of society.”

 

Sophia Williams, a survivor and advocate from the United States, reflects:
“Survivors of violence must be heard, supported, and empowered. For far too long, the voices of women and girls have been silenced. Ending violence is about ensuring survivors are not left behind but are actively engaged in the process of change. We are not just victims, we are the agents of the justice we seek.”

 

A Unified Future Without Violence

The 16 Days of Activism serves as a reminder that the fight against gender-based violence is not a single-day event; it is a lifelong commitment. We must continue to demand action, support survivors, and challenge systems of power and privilege that sustain gender-based violence.

But we cannot do it alone. It will take a global coalition to end violence against women and girls. We call on every individual, organization, and government to stand with us in solidarity, to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind in the fight for justice, equality, and freedom from violence. Together, we can rewrite the future for women and girls everywhere, creating a world where safety, dignity, and respect are not just aspirations, but realities for all.

Take Action Today: Stand with Survivors, Stand for Change

The fight is far from over. If you believe that violence against women and girls must end, take a stand today. Join the 16 Days of Activism, share your voice, and take action. Together, we can make the world a safer place for every woman and girl.

Closing Thought
The road to ending gender-based violence is long, but it is one that we must walk together. Survivors are not just victims of violence; they are leaders, advocates, and agents of change. By empowering communities and amplifying survivor voices, we are creating a world where justice, safety, and healing are not just possible — they are inevitable.