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16 Days of Activism

In conflict zones, for every one rape that is reported, between 10-20 are not. There's #NoExcuse why violence against women or girls should ever happen.

Join us in taking action during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and help raise awareness of violence against women and girls.

How VAW Impacts Women Worldwide:
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Physical and Sexual Violence

It is estimated that 1 in 3 women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life.

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The Most Affected Women

Women from low and lower-middle income countries and regions worldwide are disproportionately affected by violence.

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Seeking Help

Less than 40 per cent of women who experience violence seek help.

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Domestic Violence Laws

Though 158 countries have passed laws on domestic violence, this does not mean these laws are always compliant with international standards, nor does this mean they are always implemented and enforced.

16 Days of Activism

From Awareness to Action—Join the Global Stand Against Violence and Support Women’s Bravery Worldwide

Since 1991, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence takes place every year between 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) and 10th December (Human Rights Day) to raise awareness of, and prevent violence against women and girls.

Violence against women and girls takes many forms, from harassment to intimate partner violence, to sexual violence being used as a weapon of war.

Women for Women International was established in 1993 to help survivors of sexual violence during the 1992 - 1995 conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the belief that stronger women build stronger nations. We continue to work with the most socially excluded women in countries affected by conflict across the world.

“It’s also important for the women to know that they have the right to need help”  

We invited WfWI Nigeria’s Country Director, Bukola Onyishi and Joice, a program participant of the Change Agent Program, to share how we work to empower our participants with the knowledge and tools to succeed in eliminating Violence Against Women (VAW). Hear from these women on what hinders the fight against VAW and the importance of speaking out:  

Through our From Asking to Action consultation we spoke to 6,500 women in 14 conflict affected countries. They shared:

  • Only 5% of Afghan women we spoke to feel safe participating in community activities 
  • 96% of the women reported facing some kind of violence. 71% have experienced intimate partner violence
  • 75% of women call for increased funding and resources, particularly for gender-sensitive aid

 

Download our Free Guide

When you hear the term “Violence Against Women” (VAW), what comes to mind? If you are familiar with the meaning of VAW, you may think of physical or domestic violence. However, did you know that forcing access to a partner’s phone is also a form of violence, as well as enforcing control or monitoring their daily activities? Through this guide, you will learn the different forms of VAW. You will also learn how VAW can be prevented, and what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing any form of VAW.

Share a Message of Support with Our Change Agents:

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Change Agents meeting in Nigeria. Credit: Sefa Nkansa.

In our Change Agent Program, graduates undertake grassroots advocacy activities, mentored and supported by Women for Women International staff to help women identify problems in their communities and create action plans to challenge them. 

Share a message of support today and encourage them to stay strong in fighting violence against women.

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Change Agents Nigeria
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