16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25 advocates for greater awareness and action to put an end to deeply rooted gender-based violence and discrimination. It also marks the first of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, culminating with Human Rights Day on December 10.

This year’s 16 Days theme “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape!”

recognizes women, girls, and LGBTQI2 people as they speak out about the violence they experience, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities that include refugees, minorities, Indigenous peoples, and those affected by conflict and natural disasters.

Orange is the official campaign colour because it symbolizes a brighter future. It will be featured prominently in events and activities globally.

IDRC-supported research contributes to Canada’s strong voice in the fight against sexual violence. The Centre’s Governance and Justice program supports innovative research to identify the root causes of sexual and gender-based violence and to find solutions in preventing and overcoming it in developing countries. Our support for research in many other areas, including food security, maternal and child health, and women’s economic empowerment, also addresses the many forms of gender-based violence.

Learn more about how IDRC-supported projects generate critical evidence to put an end to gender-based violence:  

Tackling gender-based violence at work, in transit, and online

Unspoken barriers constrain women’s economic opportunities

Improving the global refugee system

Seeing child marriage and parenting through adolescent eyes

Why data matters to gender equality

Feminist advocacy, family law, and violence against women: International perspectives

Click to learn more on gender-based violence

• Feminist advocacy can tackle violence against women
• Funding for sexual and reproductive health and health information systems
• Security for women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in the conflict-affected regions in Colombia
• Making a Feminist Internet Research Network
• Policy should address more than jobs to economically empower women
• Scaling open data for development in Latin America
• kNOw Fear: Making rural public spaces safer for women and girls
• Networks for Change and Well-being: "From the Ground Up" Policy-making to Address Sexual Violence against Girls
• Gender and violence in cities
• Fostering an Internet for women’s empowerment