16 Ways to Participate in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is an annual global campaign that runs from November 25 (International Day to End Violence against Women) through December 10 (International Human Rights Day). The campaign raises awareness about the far-reaching consequences of gender-based violence, and galvanizes government, community, corporate, and philanthropic sectors to dialogue and develop strategies to eliminate gender-based violence. Check out PPNYC’s list of ways to participate below, and explore this list of community partner events!
1. Have a moment of silence in your classroom or office for the women, gender non-conforming, and transgender people who lost their lives to gender-based violence.
2. Host a walk-out demonstration at your school or office in solidarity with those who have experienced domestic violence or gender-based street harassment.
3. If you feel comfortable, share your story on social media.
4. Attend a local protest or rally against gender-based violence in your community.
5. Write letters and postcards to your elected officials.
6. Don’t be a bystander. Step up when you see someone harassed in public!
7. Educate yourself. Read texts and listen to podcasts by folks who have experienced gender-based violence.
8. Lend a helping hand: Sign up to volunteer at your local women’s shelter, LGBTQI+ youth center, or homeless shelter.
9. Recruit coworkers, friends, and family to wear orange, representing the Commission on Gender Equity’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
10. Have a conversation with the young people in your life about consent and bodily autonomy.
11. Believe survivors of sexual assault and violence.
12. Hold yourself and your loved ones accountable for perpetuating gender-based violence — you can start by ‘calling in’ microaggressions and engaging in critical conversations that challenge preconceived notions of gender and sexuality.
14. Support legislation that combats gender-based violence, like the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act in New York State and the Customer Non-Discrimination Act in Congress, and legislation calling for comprehensive, medically accurate K-12 sex education.
15. Support these and other organizations: The Anti-Violence Project, National Center for Transgender Equality, Futures Without Violence, and Survived and Punished.
16. Share this post with friends and family!
