#16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

The global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will run from 25 November to 10 December 2021, is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”

I have asked eight women to answer eight questions about sexual and physical assault: you will be able to watch these videos here over the coming #16Days.

Together, we can and we will forge a world that is free from violence against women. 

- The Duchess of Cornwall

What is one thing we can do this week to help create a world free from violence against women?

What should we do if we think a friend is in an abusive relationship?

What is the first bit of advice you give to a woman fleeing an abusive relationship?

How can people support their local refuge?

What gives you the courage to overcome your own experience to help others?

How can we help someone we know who has been sexually assaulted?

What is the number one need of women fleeing an abusive relationship?

How is the Commonwealth seeking to combat violence against women?

A message from HRH to the Mirabel Centre, Nigeria

As we near the end of the UN's #16Days, we remember almost 1 in 3 women worldwide have been subjected to physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.

Her Royal Highness was announced as the first Patron of the Mirabel Centre in Nigeria, earlier this year.