16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, November 25 - December 10, 2009
Each year since 1991, tens of thousands of activists from every region of the world have taken part in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign. The campaign’s central messages – women’s rights are human rights and violence against women constitutes a violation of human rights – have been a rallying call of the women’s movement. Recognizing that violence against women affects people from every country, race, class, culture, and religion, the 16 Days Campaign provides an opportunity for activists to work together in solidarity and draw upon this period of heightened international attention to gain support for their local efforts.
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) during last year’s 16 Days Campaign, millions of people pledged their support for ending violence against women (VAW) and upholding human rights. Building upon this momentum, the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) dedicates the 2009 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign to honoring groups and individuals who have committed to bringing VAW to the forefront of global attention, to encouraging everyone in their various capacities to take action to end VAW, and to demanding accountability for all of the promises made to eliminate VAW. Therefore the 2009 theme is COMMIT ACT DEMAND: We CAN End Violence Against Women!
16 Days Campaign Website: http://www.cwgl.rutgers.edu/16days/home.html
UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon's documents addressing gender violence:
Ending Violence against women: From Words to Action. Executive Summary
Violence against Women: Forms, Consequences & Costs
Violence against Women: Unmet Needs, Broken Promises
Fighting Violence Against Women: What Works
UNIFEM launched the global initiative Say NO–UNiTE to End Violence against Women on 6 November 2009 in Nairobi, Kenya. The innovative web platform will stimulate, count and showcase actions on ending violence against women. more...Say NO–UNiTE to End Violence against Women