Today is the first day of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, kicking off on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
In the wake of the shocking murders of Sarah Everard, Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman, and Sabina Nessa this year’s 16 Days of Activism feels more poignant than ever. Coupled with the coverage of the low rates of conviction for gender-based violence, a painful light has been shone on how, in 2021, women are still not safe.
This year more than ever we welcome a chance to come together and call for change. We must stand together to end violence against women and girls.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that starts every year on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. Individuals and organisations around the world use the 16 days to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Alongside the work we do, at SARSAS, supporting victim-survivors to rebuild their lives after sexual violence, we’re proud of our campaigning work. We not only want all people affected by sexual violence to have support, but we also work towards ending sexual violence happening in the future. That’s why the “16 Days” is such an important campaign. A global campaign with global significance, it allows all those determined to put an end to gender-based violence to work together.
This year, at SARSAS, our theme for the 16 days will be ‘Reclaim’.
- In a world that objectifies women and girls, it’s time to reclaim our bodies.
- In a world that’s designed around the needs of men, it’s time to reclaim our right to public spaces.
- In a world where the voices of women from marginalised communities often go unheard, it’s time to reclaim our right to protest and raise those voices up.
We are calling on all people to join us in reclaiming the right of women and girls, from all walks of life, to live free from sexual violence, on our streets and in our homes! There are lots of ways to get involved:
This evening at 5:30pm, I will be in conversation with our patron, Laura Bates live on Instagram talking about how far we have come in regard to addressing violence against women and girls and how far we still have to go. You can take part by heading to our Instagram page then for the first of our SARSAS Sessions.
Tonight at 7pm there will be a Reclaim the Night March through Bristol. To find out more head to the event page.
We’ll also be hosting a Facebook Live on Tuesday 7 December at 6pm with CEOs from the Bristol Sexual Violence Alliance chatting about how we are marking the 16 days with our #CallingForChange campaign. Head to our Facebook page to watch live.
Up until 10th December, we’ll be posting and sharing different ways that you can take action against gender-based violence. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to get involved in the 16 Days campaign.
About SARSAS
SARSAS is a specialist support service for people affected by sexual violence. A passionate team of specialists who stand alongside those impacted by rape and sexual abuse; listening, believing, and supporting them to reclaim their lives. We campaign and raise awareness to stop it happening to others.
SARSAS offer a helpline and live chat service, e-support, counselling, 1:1 support and group work. All our services are free and confidential.
For more information on SARSAS go to our website.