The UN 16 Days of Activism runs from 25 November to 10 December every year. It is a UN led initiative calling on everyone from businesses to civil society to take action to address gender based violence.
2021 marks thirty years since the campaign began. The original idea was to raise awareness of the very taboo and unaddressed topic of violence against women and girls. It was launched at the Centre for Women's Global Leadership and has gone on to be very successful with events and initiatives taking place all over the world.
In 2020, the Campaign amplified the voice of women working in the informal economy whilst also calling for the ratification of ILO Convention 190. The Convention would require every member state who ratifies it to pass a national law on the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work.
In 2021, the campaign will focus on Domestic Violence in the world of work. This is a particularly relevant theme for Thrive and our community so do get in touch to share your activities or if you would like to partner on an event.
In addition, because of the thirty year anniversary, the Campaign has announced an additional theme focusing on femicide. Femicide is where a women or girl is killed on account of her gender and is shockingly prolific around the world. Thrive have partnered with UN Women UK to launch a Safe Spaces programmed addressing femicide in the light of the murder of Sarah Everard and working with organisations to create safe spaces for all their people.
The UN 16 Days of Activism website provides lots of information and resources and Thrive have put together social media graphics which we encourage you to share during the UN 16 Days.