10 things YOU can do this 16 Days of Activism

HAVE you heard about 16 Days of Activism but not sure how you can join the global initiative to make the world safer for girls and women? 16 Days of Activism is a worldwide campaign that runs from November 25th to December 5th each year. During these sixteen days, people from all walks of life come together to examine, explore and address issues of gender based violence in their homes, schools, offices, streets and communities. Tackling this global crime requires both men and women to come together and make the world safer, healthier and more prosperous.  

Here are 10 things you can do this 16 Days of Activism to fight gender based violence!

Talk to people about gender based violence

Crimes against girls and women is a disturbing part of our daily lives. Bringing this issue into other people’s orbit is the first step toward tackling and ending these crimes. By taking the first step and talking about crimes against women, we can find like-minded people who will join us in our effort to improve the situation and contribute valuable ideas that can make real changes. This 16 Days of Activism, you can make the decision to find others who are passionate about bringing the issue of gender based violence to the forefront and collaborate for change.

Use your social media presence to get the conversation going

Social media is a game-changer when it comes to giving individuals a platform to speak their mind and make a difference. While speaking to people in-person gives you the chance to connect with them one-on-one, social media amplifies this connection and allows you to reach millions or even billions of people with your content. 16 Days of Activism is a good time to create or share content that raises awareness of the issues that girls and women face and encourage your followers to join your online conversation to come up with solutions. 

Create specific online content 

There are a plethora of mediums online to reach people. Blogs, articles, videos or photos – each social media platform caters to how different people consume content and are optimized to help you create relevant content and reach a global audience using the platform’s tools and features. Explore your skills and talents and take the first step toward expressing your thoughts and offering your solutions to the problem of gender based violence. Starting this 16 Days of Activism, you can build an online community of changemakers working to improve life for all.

Use literature or cinema to create change

Art is a powerful medium. Works of art such as painting, books or films are powerful tools that have inspired people around the world to create sweeping social and political changes. 16 Days of Activism is an opportune time for you to get friends, students or colleagues together to read a book or watch a movie that addresses specific issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault or the need for a strong legal system. Discuss the book or movie with your friends and deliberate on ways to be proactive about making changes. 

Come up with solutions 

Each day on the news and in newspapers, we are inundated with horror stories of crimes against girls and women. While most people are aware of the issues that women face, the need of the hour are solutions. Make a list of practical steps you think you can take to tackle gender based crimes and share them with people you know. Brainstorm with them on different ways of accomplishing these solutions and encouraging more people to join you in your effort. When your approach to gender based crimes is solution-oriented, it gives people a clear goal to work toward.

Being men and boys into the conversation

In incidents of violence against women, the perpetrators are mostly men and boys. It is crucial, therefore, to include men and boys in the effort to stop these crimes. Men and boys can provide valuable insight into the mentality that leads other males to commit such crimes. It is important for men to run organizations and conduct programs to “correct” the problem before it occurs and implement measures to change the de-normalize the language of violence against women. 16 Days of Activism is an important time for men to step up.  

Make and demand real changes

The aim of 16 Days of Activism is to create change. In your own homes, classrooms, offices and within your circle of friends, explore how you can implement changes that will improve women’s safety and reduce gender based violence. The most effective method to do this is through advocating for policy changes. With individuals, organizations – or even on your own – you can start petitions, hold meetings with officials, meet police personnel or other authorities to offer your suggestions to problems you feel need correction.

Hold events in classrooms and offices

As a student or employee, you and your peers will spend the majority of your time at the classroom or office. These spaces should therefore not only be safe but should be a place where you can ensure a robust POSH policy in place. Since classmates and colleagues form friendships, it also presents opportunities to inform or educate others about issues such as campus or workplace safety, domestic violence or sexual harassment. Use global campaigns like 16 Days of Activism to hold events and raise awareness on what you can do to end gender based violence. 

Keep yourself and others safe

Ending gender based violence is an effort that requires time, patience and a lot of hard work with multiple stakeholders. In the meantime, it is important to keep yourselves and others around you safe. This includes sharing important numbers with each other (such as security or the police), checking in on each other (when heading back home) and making sure that no one is left stranded or alone in public places. Taking steps to keep as safe as possible is worth the effort but must go hand in hand with making real changes to eradicate the problem at the source.

Support NGOs working to empower women

There are grassroots women’s NGOs across India that run interventions to examine the causes of violence against girls and women, work on preventative measures, conduct rescues, offer rehabilitation and take legal action against perpetrators. These are experienced and well-connected organizations that need your support to make a greater impact in our communities and on our streets. When you support these NGOs, you help make an impact in the lives of girls and women who are in greater danger than others – those who need it the most.  

Support women's NGOs

Take action this 16 Days of Activism!

Global campaigns are unique opportunities for people around the world to join hands and make real progress in issues such as tackling gender based violence. This 16 Days of Activism, consider each of these 8 recommendations to do your part to make communities across India safe for our girls and women. 

 

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