Standing together for a safer future: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Observed annually from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the global campaign for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence invites individuals and communities to stand together in the hope of creating a world where everyone can live free from violence.

This year, the “Red Shoe” event held in Guyana on November 25 offered a heartfelt and moving tribute to the lives affected by gender-based violence. Each pair of red shoes on display carried its own silent story, urging attendees to consider the resilience of survivors and the need for collective support.

Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator, spoke to the significance of the event. “This Red Shoe event is more than just a gathering—it is a powerful symbol of solidarity, resilience, and hope,” she said, emphasizing the shared commitment to ending violence and supporting those who have been affected.

Reflecting on Progress and Urgency

This year marks 25 years since the United Nations General Assembly first designated November 25 as a day dedicated to eliminating violence against women. The campaign also comes ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark global framework for achieving gender equality.

Ms. Kamau reminded attendees that while progress has been made, the work is far from over. “It requires all of us—leaders, civil society, governments, private sector, academia, and every individual—to partner, engage in dialogue, and undertake deliberate, collective actions to deliver tangible and meaningful change,” she shared.

Building a Stronger Support System in Guyana

In Guyana, the UN System works with government, civil society organizations, and other partners to address gender-based violence. This collaborative effort focuses on improving data collection, enhancing legal and policy frameworks, and ensuring that support services for survivors are accessible and effective.

A recent milestone in these efforts was the launch of the Hope and Justice Centre in Region 3. This Centre brings essential services—including police reports, medical exam and report, counseling, free legal services, temporary shelter and for the first time a forensic interview programme—together in one location. The UN supported this initiative by aiding the development of the operational aspect of the Centre, as part of the implementation of the Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls programme, which ended in 2023. By streamlining support for survivors, the Centre reduces the additional burdens they might face when seeking help. Such integrated approaches reflect the compassion and determination of those working tirelessly to create safe spaces for those in need.

The 16 Days of Activism is also a time to honor the courage of survivors who have risen above their experiences to build new lives. Their stories of strength remind us of the human capacity for resilience and the importance of creating environments where everyone feels supported and protected.

The “Red Shoe” display not only represented those who have experienced violence but also served as a call to action for communities to stand together and advocate for change.

The event was organised by the Civil Society National Reference Group, in collaboration with the United Nations and Women and Gender Equality Commission-Guyana.

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This story was first published by UN Guyana.