Launch of 16 Days of Activism 2023 – end violence against women and girls

The annual international 16 Days of Activism campaign against Gender-Based Violence launches on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.  

Every year, the UNITE Campaign - launched by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2008 - focuses on a specific theme. The campaign calls on citizens to show how much they care about ending violence against women and girls by sharing the actions they are taking to create a world free from violence towards women. The national theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Imagine a Scotland without Gender-Based Violence’.

East Lothian and Midlothian’s Public Protection Committee is leading on 16 days of Activism locally working with its partners East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council, East and Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnerships, Police Scotland, Women’s Aid, Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre, VCEL and Queen Margaret University.

Figures from UN Women show that 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner with disabled women twice as likely to experience violence compared to non-disabled women. In total, Scottish Government figures show that violence against women and girls costs Scotland £4billion.

Last year, councillors and officials signed the White Ribbon Pledge to show their own commitment to ending violence against women and girls. Achieving this continues to be of significance in 2023.

Councillor Colin McGinn, East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said:

“It has never been more important that, in these modern but challenging times for society, we reinforce the message that nobody should live in fear of violence or any other form of abuse.

“I feel very strongly about the importance of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which kicks off on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

“Sadly, violence against women is an issue which is all too prevalent globally and highlighted regularly in news bulletins from around the world.

“While 16 Days of Activism provides an annual opportunity to highlight that nobody should live in fear of violence or any other form of abuse, we must all play our part throughout the year in challenging attitudes that accept or try to normalise abusive behaviours.

“We must also highlight that there are people for anyone experiencing violent or abusive behaviours to speak to in confidence for help and support.

“By joining the global UNITE network, residents in East Lothian can show their understanding of the associated issues whilst improving their understanding of what abuse looks like and how you can support someone who is experiencing it and ensure that this movement for change has a positive impact across our communities.

“We must also highlight that there are people for anyone experiencing violent or abusive behaviours to speak to in confidence for help and support.”

Get involved

You can:

• Join the global UNITE network by signing up to receive updates, here. Be part of a global network of people committed to realizing a future that is free from violence against women and girls
• Mark White Ribbon Day on 25 November by making consistent choices and actions to #ChangeTheStory for women and girls, so that they may live their lives free from the fear of violence
• Improve your understanding: find out more about the different types of domestic abuse  including financial and coercive control
• Read the Safe and Together Institute’s Guide  on how to be an ally for anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse. Knowing how to support someone – a friend, loved one or colleague – can make a huge difference to them during a difficult and isolating time
• Talk about how you can change our culture towards Violence Against Women and Children with your children, family, friends, group and colleagues
• Download a 16 Days Teams meeting backdrop
• Sign a pledge card

 Find out more about 16 Days of Activism.