16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Forth Valley

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

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender. It is a serious violation of human rights and includes various forms of abuse, such as:

• Physical violence: Assault, domestic abuse, and physical harm.
• Emotional or psychological abuse: Intimidation, manipulation, and threats.
• Sexual violence: Sexual harassment, assault, and exploitation.
• Economic abuse: Controlling someone’s access to resources or financial independence.
• Coercive control: Behaviours intended to dominate or isolate someone, leading to fear and dependency.

Gender-based violence often stems from power imbalances, discrimination, and deeply ingrained societal norms. It can affect anyone, but women, girls, and marginalised groups are disproportionately impacted. Addressing GBV requires a community-wide effort to change attitudes, support survivors, and promote equality.

The 16 Days of Activism is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10th, Human Rights Day. The campaign calls for an end to all forms of gender-based violence, uniting people across the globe in solidarity and action. In Forth Valley, the 16 Days are marked by a diverse  programme of events that encourage awareness, engagement, and change. This year’s programme emphasises community involvement, creative expression, and amplifying the voices of those with lived experiences. Through workshops, art installations, theatre, film, and more, we aim to inspire action and spark important conversations.

This year’s theme, “Imagine a Forth Valley Without Gender-Based Violence,” is a call to envision a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can live safely and freely without the fear of violence or discrimination. It is a future where respect, equality, and understanding are the norm, and communities work together to support, uplift, and protect each other. Imagining this future means:

• Challenging harmful stereotypes and attitudes: We need to actively address the societal norms that perpetuate gender-based violence, such as toxic masculinity and victim-blaming.
• Supporting survivors: Creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories, access support, and reclaim their power.
• Promoting education and awareness: Engaging young people, families, and communities in conversations about consent, healthy relationships, and equality.
• Building solidarity: Recognising that gender-based violence affects everyone and that change requires a collective effort.

By coming together during these 16 Days, we can take concrete steps toward making this vision a reality. You can get involved in a variety of ways: attending events, volunteering within the campaign, engaging online using the hashtag #ImagineFVWithoutGBV, start conversations in your day to day life, or supporting local organisations that provide vital services to survivors of gender-based violence, including shelters, helplines, and advocacy groups.

Locally within Forth Valley, there is a new programme of events available to access occurring in support of the campaign. The programme includes a diverse range of events and activities, from workshops and talks to art installations and public engagements. These events bring together community members, local organisations, and professionals to create a unified stand against gender-based violence.

You can also get involved with the campaign at home by engaging with some of the content recommended in the list of 16 films to watch and 16 books to read during the 16 Days of Activism.

For further information about the campaign, including the suggested content and full programme of events, please view the campaign information sheet.