The Haven Women's Refuge

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign which originated in 1991 and was formulated by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership.

Participants chose the dates November 25 - International Day Against Violence Against Women - and December 10 - International Human Rights Day - in order to symbolically link violence against women and human rights and to emphasise that such violence is a violation of human rights.

This 16-day period also highlights other significant dates including November 29, International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, December 1, World AIDS Day, and December 6, which marks the Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre.

Over 3,400 organisations in approximately 164 countries have participated in the 16 Days Campaign since its inception. Women’s organisations, including The Haven, celebrate the campaign every year and aim to give those who have suffered abuse a voice.

This year The Haven will launch a social media campaign highlighting 16 different stories of women and children who have been affected by domestic violence, homelessness and abuse. We will publish one story each day throughout the length of the campaign from victims across Wolverhampton, the UK and Europe.