16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
From November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), people around the world join together for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This campaign raises awareness and calls for action to end violence based on gender.
What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?
GBV refers to harmful actions directed at someone because of their gender. It often stems from unequal power relationships and societal expectations about gender roles. GBV can happen to anyone, but it most commonly affects women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
Physical violence (e.g., domestic abuse, assault)
Sexual violence (e.g., harassment, assault, trafficking)
Psychological violence (e.g., threats, control, emotional abuse)
Harmful practices (e.g., child marriage, female genital mutilation)
Why It Matters
The numbers show how widespread and urgent this issue is:
Almost 1 in 3 women aged 15 or older experience sexual assault at least once.
Women with disabilities are three times more likely to experience violence than women without disabilities.
In Canada, Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing compared to other women.
Three in five transgender women aged 16 or older report experiencing intimate partner violence.
The Role of Health Care
Health care providers play a key role in responding to and preventing GBV. Survivors often seek help from health care professionals first. Providers can:
Advocate to end violence and highlight it as a public health crisis.
Train staff to provide kind, survivor-focused care.
Identify and support survivors early to stop further harm.
Promote gender equity through education and awareness.
By taking these steps, health care workers can help survivors heal and prevent violence in their communities. They have the power to be allies, advocates, and leaders in the fight against GBV.
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