#16days of activism against gender-based violence
On 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women takes place and with it, 16 days of activism against gender-based violence start every year.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence against women and girls is an international civil society led campaign that takes place each year. It commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day, indicating that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human rights worldwide.
During that time, the UN are asking people to #OrangeTheWorld to show their solidarity against violence. We form part of this global initiative and will showcase a fact related to gender-based violence each day on our social media channels. We invite everybody to consider different ways of painting the world orange including wearing the colour orange and to orange digital spaces throughout the 16 days.
Join in to end violence against women and girls and share the message to draw attention to this unfortunately still topical issue!
Crisis centres for mothers and their children
“I used to pray my mother would leave my father and we all escape his neverending abuses.” – unfortunately, this is what our psychologists from crisis centres often hear. When the time comes to talk about it, the children and young people concerned have the worst behind them. But it is well-known what kind of long-term damages such an experience could have and how children remain marked by such events for life. Children who have already had to experience and endure far too much for their age and throughout their lives.
Growing up in the context of domestic violence means living with pervasive fear and stress, far from what is associated with a normal childhood. There is a need for safe places and trustworthy people where children who have experienced violence can feel safe and cared for.
CONCORDIA runs several crisis centres for victims of violence.
CONCORDIA against violence against women and girls
Our psychologists know the hard struggle and usually long way out of toxic relationships, towards self-empowerment, and stand by those affected, encouraging them on the way to an independent life. Domestic violence occurs in all social classes, but for women and children from already marginalised and stigmatised groups, the path is all the more difficult.
In our workshops and activities in social centres, we advocate for empowering girls by investing in their education, participation, and well-being so that they can make informed choices and fulfil their potential. Educating today’s children will lead to future generations adopting an alternative outlook on violence against girls and women.
What can you do?
Let's show our support for all those affected by gender-based violence and stand together to put an end to it. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Recognise signs: When we recognise violence, we can put an end to it. Learn how to recognise the signs of relationship abuse.
- Listen: Support, listen to and believe survivors and those affected by violence.
- Support each other: Together we are stronger. Supporting girls, women and people with marginalised gender identities and working closely with allies is essential for gender equality and ending gender-based violence.
- Inform yourself: Educate yourself about what gender-based violence is and how it affects different populations. Learn how survivors of gender-based violence can get support and who provides it in your community. This may include health services, crisis counselling centres, emergency shelters and legal services. If a person you know tells you they are experiencing violence, you can refer them to professionals. Know your rights: Gender-based violence is a violation of human rights, including your right to health and protection.
- Support the campaign: If you belong to a privileged group, use your voice to speak out against gender-based violence. Share your photos, messages and videos showing how you are participating in the campaign using the hashtag #16days. Check out UM Women's social media shareables to use on your channels. Be an ally.
- Support organizations: Volunteer for organisations working to end violence. Or donate to the cause on International Day Against Violence Against Women and Girls. Donate now!