Welsh Women’s Aid launch 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence, a programme of incentives to galvanise action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
Today is the United Nations International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women, every year this day marks the start of 16 days of activism to call for an end to women and girls everyday experiences of violence and abuse across the world.
The 25th of November was designated the International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women by the UN in honour of the three Mirabal sisters, who were assassinated on this day in 1960 by the dictatorship in the Dominican Republic at the time. Instigated by Latin American and Caribbean feminists it has become a day to galvanise activism across the world that challenging of attitudes and changes in culture that normalises the harassment, abuse, rape and murder of women and girls.
This year’s international theme Generation Equality Stand against Rape is focused on the challenging and ending of rape culture. Around the globe activists and survivors have raised their voices through movements such as #MeToo, #TimesUp, #Niunamenos, #NotOneMore, #BalanceTonPorc, calling out sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and so-called ‘honour’ based violence. These movements have created a noise that has been hard for anyone to ignore, however we know that violence against women and girls continues in every country, including Wales, at epidemic levels.
These 16 days of activism, starting today, offer a chance for everyone to get involved and raise their voices to stand in solidarity to stand against rape and ensure equality for future generations. Here is a calendar of activities to get involved with and support the movement in Wales.
If you want to join our movement for change: Sign up to fundraise in support of our national work, or join us as an individual or organisational supporter to help create a world where communities challenge harassment, violence and abuse.
Welsh Women’s Aid is Wales Arts Review’s charity of the year.
