The Journey of Women Overcoming Violence and Hardship

Every year, from November 25 to December 10, the world observes the 16 Days of Activism
Against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign that aims to raise awareness and mobilize action to
end all forms of violence against women and girls.
These dates were carefully selected to coincide with significant global milestones: November 25th
marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and December 10th
is the Human Rights Day when, in 1948, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted.
In 2008, the United Nations Secretary-General launched the campaign UNITE by 2030 to End
Violence against Women, which runs parallel to the 16 Days of Activism. The goal is to create a
global platform that highlights the need for gender equality and for the elimination of violence
against women in all its forms, both at home and in the workplace. It serves as a powerful
reminder that violence against women is not just a private issue, but a widespread social
challenge that demands systemic change.
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and
devastating human rights violations in our world today remains largely unreported due to the
impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.
In general terms, it manifests itself in physical, sexual and psychological forms, encompassing:

• Intimate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide);
• Sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cyber- harassment);
• Human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation);
• Female genital mutilation; and
• Child marriage.

To further clarify, the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women issued by the
UN General Assembly in 1993, defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based
violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering
to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether
occurring in public or in private life.”

In Bangladesh, this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to address gender-
based violence through various strategic frameworks, including the Five-Year Plan and the
Gender Budget Report 2024-25. The Government of Bangladesh has recognized the importance
of integrating gender considerations into national policies, focusing on reducing violence against
women and enhancing their empowerment. Programs like SWAPNO play a significant role in this
effort by providing support and job opportunities for women facing domestic violence, enabling
them to regain financial independence and improve their living conditions. The Five-Year Plan
outlines specific targets for promoting gender equality, ensuring that resources are allocated
effectively to support vulnerable populations.
By fostering community engagement and collaboration with civil society organizations, the
government aims to create a safer environment for women, empowering them to reclaim their
rights and participate fully in society. The 16 Days of Activism serves as a vital reminder of the
ongoing struggle against gender-based violence and the collective efforts needed to achieve
meaningful change in Bangladesh.