The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, a worldwide campaign originating from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, is currently underway. This period, spotlighting significant dates like World AIDS Day and the Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre focuses on the theme “UNiTE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls” for 2023.
According to a report by the Daily Graphic, the campaign serves as a key strategy for individuals and groups globally to eliminate all forms of violence against women, elevating the issue as a human rights concern at all societal levels.
Important Dates of the Campaign:
- November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: Commemorating the 1960 murder of the Mirabal sisters, Dominican Republic activists, this day was formally recognized by the United Nations in 1999.
- November 29, International Women’s Human Rights Defenders Day: Celebrates women and girls advocating for human rights and those defending women’s and gender equality rights.
- December 1, World AIDS Day: Dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic and mourning those lost to the disease, it also educates on AIDS prevention and control.
- December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992, this day aims to promote understanding and support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. The 2023 theme focuses on collective action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- December 5, International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development: Recognizing the impact of volunteerism, the day emphasizes the collective power of volunteers in making the world a better place.
- December 6, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women: Marks the tragic 1989 Montreal University massacre of 14 female engineering students, highlighting the issue of violence against women in academia.
- December 10, International Human Rights Day: Marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, asserting that everyone is entitled to rights and freedoms without discrimination.
This period serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence and the imperative of promoting women’s rights globally.
