The annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is set to take place on 25 November and 10 December 2025 under the theme: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)”. The theme is anchored on the Positive Masculinity Dialogue that will be hosted in the margins of the G2O ministerial Meeting and taking forward G20 outcomes of relevance to GBVF.
This year’s campaign will be marking the 27th anniversary since its adoption. The campaign has over the years raised awareness of the devastating impact that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) has on women and children, and the social fabric of our society. It has also been used to highlight the societal and systemic causes of GBVF, and to mobilise action at local, national, and international levels to eliminate all forms of gendered violence.
Other key commemorative days during this period include World Aids Day on the 1st December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on 3 December of every year.
Given the scourge of Gender-Based violence in the country, government is implementing the Emergency Response Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which was announced by President Cyril in September 2019.
During the 16 Days period, Government together with civil society and the private sector will host a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with GBVF.
For communities
a. Be an activist against GBV in your homes, communities, work and positions:
- Challenge cultures and practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and consequent abuse of women and children at personal and societal level.
b. Play your part:
- Reject and report abusers- Act and don’t look away!
- Do not protect abusers, report them!
- Sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence. Do not engage in abusive activities and become an abuser- Stop abuse.
- Challenge and denounce cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities
- Be sensitive and supportive to GBV victims - share helpful information and support causes near you.
- Seek personal help to change harmful behaviors such as alcohol and substance abuse
- Teach children values of gender equality
- Protect children from exposure to violence and harmful content on internet and social media, including pornography, sexual solicitation
- Develop policies that prevent and deal with gender based violence in your sector, workplace and communities.
- Organise targeted community outreach and dialogues on solution towards a gender equal society.
Together, let us take actions to support the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
