16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
From 25 November to 10 December, PAHO joins governments, civil society, the UN system, and other partners in marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
This year, the theme of the 16 Days is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”, drawing attention to the urgency for action.
We know that violence is devastatingly pervasive in the Region, with enormous consequences for women’s and girls’ health and wellbeing.
Evidence suggests 1 in 3 women and girls have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, mostly by an intimate partner. And this was before the pandemic. In the context of COVID-19, risks of domestic violence, especially against women and girls, have increased while access to needed support has decreased, including services provided by the health sector.
Call for action
Now more than ever, we must take action. The International Day and the 16 Days of Activism are a timely opportunity to raise awareness for the health and social consequences of violence against women and strengthen our commitment to collective action.
We know that violence against women and girls can be prevented, and its consequences can be mitigated. While preventing and responding to violence against women and girls requires a multi-sectoral approach, the health sector has an important role to play.
This is not a new topic for the Region – there is much that we can learn from each other to keep advancing this agenda. NOW more than ever is time for change and collaboration.
Related links
- 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (UNWOMEN)
- Violence against Women (PAHO)
- Key facts: Violence against Women (WHO)
- Spotlight Initiative - Latin America Regional Programme
Violence Against Women Prevalence Estimates, 2018
Global, regional and national prevalence estimates for intimate partner violence against women and global and regional prevalence estimates for non-partner sexual violence against women.
Strengthening the health system response to sexual violence
PAHO works in partnerships with stakeholders to prevent and respond to violence through evidence-based strategies and techniques. With support from the Buffet Foundation and in close collaboration with national counterparts, PAHO has advanced a project to strengthen the health system response to sexual violence in seven countries in the region: Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru, and the Dominican Republic.
The project included a series of regional workshops conducted in 2021, combined with technical support to the Ministries of Health to strengthen the national and local capacity of health services to respond to sexual violence.
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN!
We all have a role to play to raise awareness for the burden of violence and push for change. PAHO has produced a series of graphic materials to be shared in digitial and social media platforms.
Join us and show that you support zero tolerance for violence by using the campaign backdrop in your video calls and meetings during the 16 Days or sharing the graphic materials in your social media accounts. Stay tuned for new materials during the campaign.
Let’s end violence against women and girls now!
Events and activities
#FaceLive on Services and barriers in the prevention and care of violence against women, hosted by the Latin American and Caribbean Women Health Network (RSMLAC in Spanish) and PAHO, as part of the cycle of discussion series "Let´s talk among women".
- Guest: Britta Monika Baer, Regional Advisor Violence Prevention PAHO / WHO
- Moderator Sandra Castañeda, Coordinator of RSMLAC
How to participate
Digital Backdrops
