As this year’s 16 Days Against Gender Violence [9] kicks off on November 25, we’re reminded of how complex and painful the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) [10] is. Human trafficking, domestic violence, child marriage, anti-LGBT violence—GBV affects women, men, and children in every country and at every socioeconomic level.
But as pervasive as GBV is, it is being met head on with resilience, determination, and creativity by survivors and allies across the globe. Civil society organizations, governments, journalists, and ordinary citizens are working to raise awareness about GBV, sharing painful stories of exploitation and inspiring tales of healing and change.
Over the course of the 16 Days Campaign, IREX will feature stories about our work against GBV and our ongoing commitment toward gender equality [11], including:
· How we’re training journalists and editors in Iraq [12] to improve their reporting on domestic violence and other forms of GBV;
· A video interview with one of our US partner organizations [13] about changing young men’s attitudes toward gender violence and what it means to be a man;
· A profile of one of IREX’s experts in Romania and her efforts to address anti-LGBT violence [14];
· Our work with gym coaches in Kyrgyzstan to help more girls reap the benefits of participating in team sports [15]; and
· How one of our local partners in Liberia is raising awareness about GBV through radio [16] dramas and community forums.
· And check out our photo essay 16 Photos for 16 Days Against Gender Violence [17].
We are immensely proud of our staff and partners around the globe who are taking concrete action to make the world safer for all.
The 16 Days Against Gender Violence takes place throughout the world every year from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day).