16 days of activism 2023

16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign.  25 November to 10 December

 

Imagine a Scotland without Gender-Based Violence

16 days of activism is wrapped around two key days – running from 25 November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), to 10 December, which is Human Rights Day. These dates were specifically chosen to emphasise that VAWG is a violation of human rights.

White Ribbon Day coincides with the start of 16 days as men’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

 

How did 16 days come about?

The 16 days campaign was first started in 1991 and is 32 years old this year.

On 25 November 1960, three sisters from the Dominican Republic were beaten to death and dumped at the bottom of a cliff by the then President’s secret police. The Mirabel sisters who had been activists, actively opposed the cruelty and systematic violence of the Trujillo dictatorship, became symbols of the feminist resistance. In commemoration of their deaths, 25 November was declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in Latin America in 1980. Between then and formal recognition of 16 days by the United Nations in 1999, there were significant UN commitments and declarations to eliminate VAWG and all forms of discrimination against women.

Scotland’s Equally Safe Strategy commitment to gender equality stems from the global adopted by all UN member states in 2015. White Ribbon developed from the killing of 14 women by a 25 year male in Montreal in 1989, because of his hatred towards women. In 1991 Canadian men began wearing a white ribbon as a symbol of men’s opposition to men’s VAWG. The movement grew from there with the UK taking on the campaign in 2004.

 

What is the purpose of the 16 days campaign?

  • to raise awareness about gender-based VAWG as a human rights issue at local, national, regional and international levels;
  • to strengthen local action to prevent and tackle gender based VAWG; and in doing so
  • be a springboard for the other 349 days of the year!

download resources for 16 days of activism

 

Find out more about support networks

Find out more about support networks in your area and the services that exist. In East and Midlothian this includes: 

Women’s Aid East and Midlothian – domestic abuse support for women and children and young people  
Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre – Advocacy Service
FearFree Domestic Abuse Service for any man or LGBTQI+ person experiencing domestic abuse
Shakti Women’s Aid support for black and minority ethnic women 
Families First Midlothian for men who have been abusive towards a partner or ex-partner and would like help – call 0131 285 9600 (Midlothian only)
No 11 Women’s Social Supper in Dalkeith – weekly free event for women to socialise, feel pampered and enjoy food and refreshments – FaceBook Group (Midlothian only)
Anam Cara support to empower women through developing life changing resilience skills

National Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline – for anyone 
National Respect Phoneline Choose to stop – help for domestic violence perpetrators
 

Find out more

Follow us on social media to find out more about our activities locally during 16 days:
East and Midlothian Public Protection Committee

East Lothian Council

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership

Edinburgh Rape Crisis

Midlothian Council

Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership

NHS Lothian

Police Scotland

Women’s Aid East and Midlothian