Any damaging acts committed against a person based on gender are referred to as gender-based violence (GBV). It is deeply rooted in detrimental socio-cultural norms, gender inequity, and power abuse. Gender-based violence is a grave human rights violation, as well as a life-threatening health and protection issue.

According to UN Women, of the estimated 736 million women in the world, nearly one in three have experienced physical or sexual intimate relationship violence, non-partner sexual abuse, or both at least once in their lives. Sexual harassment is not included in this number.

16 Days of Activism, also known as Orange the World, is a global movement to end violence against women and girls. The campaign intends to engage the entire globe in the discussion by raising awareness, disseminating crucial facts, and emphasizing ways we can all contribute to halting the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence.

Every year, the campaign runs from 15 November—the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—through 10 December, Humans Rights Day.

This year’s campaign is themed UNiTE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls. It is aimed at inspiring everyone in society to take up the cause of ending violence against women and girls, to show their support for women’s rights advocates, and to join feminist movements around the globe in their fight against the denial of women’s rights and for a world free from VAWG.

Today marks the beginning of 16 days of activism, FAME Foundation joins forces with organizations and women globally in the international campaign against VAWG.

As we oppose all forms of gender-based violence, let’s UNITE to end violence against women and girls.