16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
Human rights cannot be universal without human rights for women. Today marks the first of 16 day of activism around the world - standing up for women's rights and against gender violence.
Every Human Has Rights partner, the Center for Global Women's Leadership (CWGL) led on the 'Women's Rights as Human Rights' theme during this campaign - and they've dedicated this year's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration and to making demands to advance women’s human rights.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign that was started by the Center for Women's Global Leadership in 1991. According to the Center's website:
"Participants chose the dates, November 25, International Day Against Violence Against Women and December 10, International Human Rights Day, in order to symbolically link violence against women and human rights and to emphasize that such violence is a violation of human rights. This 16-day period also highlights other significant dates including November 29, International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, December 1, World AIDS Day, and December 6, which marks the Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre."
Paying tribute to the courage of all women human rights defenders who risk their lives in defense of their rights, and the rights of others - CWGL is honoring 16 women human rights defenders that have have endured risks and danger to pursue their activism.
Perhaps the most exciting and moving part of the 16 Days campaign is the events taking place around the world. You can find out more about opportunities to take part in international and local events hosted by participating organizations around the world, or plan your own.
