The 25th November marks the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign running from 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10th December (Human Rights Day). This campaign brings together individuals, organisations, and governments worldwide to address the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG). At ICENA, we stand firmly in support of this movement, reaffirming our commitment to creating safe and equitable spaces where women and girls can thrive.
A Persistent Crisis
The statistics are staggering and deeply concerning:
- Every 10 minutes, a woman or girl is killed by a family member or partner. (https://www.unwomen.org/)
- Nearly one in three women globally experiences violence in their lifetime. (UN News)
- In humanitarian settings, 70% of women face gender-based violence. (ActionAid 2016)
These figures highlight the urgent need for collective action. Femicide—the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender—is the most extreme and visible form of this violence. Yet, gender-based violence is often normalised or overlooked, perpetuating harm and enabling impunity.
Building on 30 Years of Progress
This year’s campaign comes as we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark global framework for achieving gender equality. While significant progress has been made since its adoption—such as the introduction of domestic violence legislation in over 100 countries—implementation remains inconsistent, and entrenched discriminatory norms continue to undermine these advances.
The UNiTE by 2030 Campaign, led by the UN Secretary-General, calls for bold action from governments, civil society, and the private sector to ensure accountability. Priorities include adopting survivor-centred approaches, strengthening law enforcement, and addressing the systemic inequalities that underpin violence against women and girls.
How ICENA is Driving Change
At ICENA, we understand that ending violence against women and girls requires systemic solutions. Through our training and consultancy services, we work with organisations to:
- Prevent Harassment: We assist businesses in implementing robust anti-harassment policies and fostering cultures of respect.
- Support Survivors: Our tailored training equips leaders and HR teams to respond effectively to disclosures of harassment or abuse.
- Promote Inclusion: By addressing the root causes of gender inequality, we help create environments where women can succeed free from violence and discrimination.
Our work is guided by the RESPECT Women Framework, which outlines evidence-based strategies to prevent and respond to violence against women, such as challenging harmful norms and empowering women’s movements.
What You Can Do
As we observe the 16 Days of Activism, here are ways you can get involved:
- Raise Awareness: Share stories, statistics, and resources on social media using the campaign hashtag #NoExcuse.
- Support Women’s Rights Organisations: Volunteer, donate, or amplify their work. (An A-Z of UK-based and regional feminist organisations)
- Engage in Dialogue: Host or participate in discussions that challenge harmful norms and promote gender equality.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Call on decision-makers to allocate funding and enforce laws to prevent violence against women and girls.
- Implement Organisational Training and Policies: Introduce comprehensive training programmes on preventing workplace harassment, supporting survivors, and fostering a culture of respect.
Looking Ahead
The theme for this year’s campaign—“Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women”—is both a reminder and a call to action. We cannot afford to lose momentum. As we reflect on the progress made, we must address the gaps that remain, ensuring that all women and girls live free from violence.
What could this look like on a practical level? Taking proactive steps to create safer, more inclusive workplaces. Ensuring policies to prevent workplace harassment promote accountability, address gender-based violence effectively and include clear reporting procedures.
At ICENA, we are proud to work with organisations to eradicate gender inequality and stand alongside global movements fighting for justice, equality, and safety. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and build a future where everyone can thrive. Contact us for support.
For more information about the 16 Days of Activism and resources to take action, visit the UN Women UNiTE Campaign.
Find out more about the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025.
Join us in saying: Enough is enough. Violence against women has no place in our society. #NoExcuse #EndVAWG #16Days
