1. BACKGROUND
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that takes
place each year. It commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of
Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was originated by activists at
the inaugural Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women's Global Leadership.
It is used as an organizing strategy by
individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of
violence against women and girls.
In support of this civil society initiative the 16 Days of Activism, under the leadership of the UN
Secretary General, António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End
Violence against Women Campaign (UNiTE), calls for global action to increase awareness,
galvanize advocacy efforts and share of knowledge and innovations.
2. UNiTE CAMPAIGN THEME AND OBJECTIVES FOR 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM (2018)
For far too long, impunity, silence, stigma and shame have led to an entrenched endemic of this
human rights violation around the world. However, in recent years, the drive for change has
garnered more visibility due largely to the determination and bravery of grassroots activists and
survivor advocates, including #MeToo, #TimesUp, #Niunamenos, #NotOneMore,
#BalanceTonPorc, among others. Advocates understand that while the names and the contexts
may differ across geographic locations, economic and social contexts, one common theme runs
deep. Women and girls are experiencing extensive abuse and violence and their stories need to
be brought to light.
This is why the UNiTE Campaign’s global advocacy theme year is:
Orange the World: #HearMeToo
All UNiTE partners, including UN agencies, civil society, private sector, sports associations,
youth groups, universities and schools are encouraged to:
• Hold ‘listening events’ with survivor advocates, women’s movements, and women’s
human rights defenders. Create opportunities for dialogue between activists and policy
makers, private sector organizations and the public. Discuss the need for inclusive policies
and programming for preventing and ending violence against women and girls.
• Feature stories from activists and survivor advocates through print and digital platforms.
Explore creative and innovative approaches, such as through the medium of
documentary, exhibitions, digital and print media. This could be done in partnership with
NGOs and partners in the creative arts sectors.
• Tell stories of how your organization is supporting activists and survivor advocates.
• Run an online and offline awareness raising campaign under the theme Orange the World:
#HearMeToo during the 16 Days of Activism to stimulate public conversations and
educate the public on what individuals and organisations can do to end violence against
women. Under the theme, all UNiTE partners are encouraged to light their physical spaces
including their workplaces and monuments, online spaces such as the website, and to
wear the colour orange.
The Safe Space 16 Day Activism Campaign on #HearMeToo Activities
